First Known Use: 1585
Dictionary
1modern
adjective mod·ern \ˈmä-dərn, ÷ˈmä-d(ə-)rən\
: of or relating to the present time or the recent past : happening, existing, or developing at a time near the present time
: of or relating to the current or most recent period of a language
: based on or using the newest information, methods, or technology
Full Definition of MODERN
1
a : of, relating to, or characteristic of the present or the immediate past : contemporary b : of, relating to, or characteristic of a period extending from a relevant remote past to the present time
2
: involving recent techniques, methods, or ideas : up-to-date
3
capitalized : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the present or most recent period of development of a language
4
— mo·der·ni·ty \mə-ˈdər-nə-tē, mä-, -ˈder-\ noun
— mod·ern·ly \ˈmä-dərn-lē\ adverb
— mod·ern·ness \-dərn-nəs\ noun
See modern defined for English-language learners
See modern defined for kids
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Origin of MODERN
Late Latin modernus, from Latin modo just now, from modus measure — more at mete
Related to MODERN
- Synonyms
- contemporary, current, designer, hot, mod, modernistic, new, new age, newfangled, new-fashioned, present-day, red-hot, space-age, state-of-the-art, ultramodern, up-to-date, up-to-the-minute
- Antonyms
- antiquated, archaic, dated, fusty, musty, oldfangled, old-fashioned, old-time, out-of-date, passé
2modern
noun
: a person who has modern ideas, tastes, or attitudes
: a modern artist or writer
Full Definition of MODERN
2
: a style of printing type distinguished by regularity of shape, precise curves, straight hairline serifs, and heavy downstrokes
See modern defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MODERN
1585
Related to MODERN
- Synonyms
- modernist, ultramodernist
- Antonyms
- antediluvian, dodo, fogy (also fogey), fossil, fuddy-duddy, reactionary, stick-in-the-mud
MODERN Defined for Kids
modern
adjective mod·ern \ˈmä-dərn\
Definition of MODERN for Kids
1
: of or characteristic of the present time or times not long past <modern machinery>
2
: of a style or way of thinking that is new and different <modern ideas>
3
: having a style that is newer and different from older, more traditional styles <modern dance>
4
: of the period from about 1500 to the present <modern history>
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