English - Hungarian

modernise

gb/mˈoʊdɚnɪs/ us/mˈoʊdɚnɪs/
B2 English
korszerűsít, modernizál, korszerűsödik
VERB B2
1
Usage pattern:
modernise [something]
The company modernised its IT systems to support remote work.
A vállalat korszerűsítette az informatikai rendszereit, hogy támogassa a távmunkát.
They modernised the kitchen while keeping the original wooden floors.
Korszerűsítették a konyhát, miközben megtartották az eredeti fapadlót.
The government plans to modernise rail services over the next five years.
Learner examples
We modernised our website last month.
Múlt hónapban korszerűsítettük a weboldalunkat.
They want to modernise the school.
Korszerűsíteni akarják az iskolát.
Common mistake:
In American English the usual spelling is modernize; modernise is the standard British spelling.
Meaning
update to current standards
Collocations
modernise infrastructure |modernise a system |modernise equipment |modernise a factory |modernise operations |modernise the curriculum |modernise the economy |modernise public services |modernise the armed forces |modernise a home
Synonyms
update (More general; may not imply major change or modern technology.) | upgrade (Often focuses on improving performance, especially with equipment or software.) | renovate (Used especially for buildings; focuses on improving condition and appearance.)
Antonyms
preserve (To keep something as it is, especially its older or traditional features.) | downgrade (To make something lower in quality or capability, the opposite of improving it.)
Themes
technology |business |government |housing |education
Definition

To make something more modern or up to date.

To change something so that it uses modern methods, design, or technology and is more suitable for present-day needs.

VERB C1
2
Usage pattern:
modernise [an organisation/policy/law/attitude]
The new leader promised to modernise the organisation’s culture.
Az új vezető megígérte, hogy modernizálja a szervezeti kultúrát.
Campaigners are calling on parliament to modernise the law.
Az aktivisták arra szólítják fel a parlamentet, hogy korszerűsítse a törvényt.
The university is modernising its policies on flexible working.
Learner examples
They want to modernise the rules.
Korszerűsíteni akarják a szabályokat.
The manager is trying to modernise the company culture.
A vezető megpróbálja modernizálni a vállalati kultúrát.
Common mistake:
Modernise is usually about a broad change to be more contemporary; it is not only about adding technology.
Meaning
make less traditional
Collocations
modernise the party |modernise management |modernise labour laws |modernise regulations |modernise the constitution |modernise attitudes |modernise working practices |modernise governance |modernise the institution |modernise the public sector
Synonyms
reform (Emphasises correcting or improving a system, often through policy changes.) | liberalise (Often specifically means making rules less strict or allowing more freedom.)
Antonyms
conserve (To resist change and keep existing, often traditional, ideas or systems.) | entrench (To make an existing practice or system harder to change.)
Themes
society |politics |business |culture
Definition

To change old ways of thinking or working to newer ones.

To change ideas, rules, or an organisation so that they are more progressive and less traditional.

VERB C1
3
Usage pattern:
[place/country/industry] modernises
Over the past decade, the city has modernised rapidly.
Az elmúlt évtizedben a város gyorsan korszerűsödött.
As the economy modernised, more people moved into office jobs.
Ahogy a gazdaság korszerűsödött, egyre többen kezdtek irodai munkát végezni.
The industry is modernising, with more automation and fewer manual roles.
Learner examples
The country is modernising fast.
Az ország gyorsan korszerűsödik.
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse modernise (change to become modern) with modern (already new and up to date).
Meaning
become more modern
Collocations
a country modernises |an economy modernises |society modernises |industry modernises |rapidly modernise |gradually modernise |modernise quickly |modernise over time
Synonyms
develop (Broader and not necessarily about becoming modern or up to date.) | advance (Often suggests progress in capability, especially in science or industry.)
Antonyms
stagnate (To stop developing or improving.) | decline (To become less successful or less developed over time.)
Themes
society |economy |technology
Definition

To change over time and become more modern.

To develop in a way that becomes more modern, especially in technology, industry, or social organisation.

Grammar
Dictionary form
modernise
IPA
GB/mˈoʊdɚnɪs/
US/mˈoʊdɚnɪs/
Syllables & stress
mod - ern - ise (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mod)
Word forms
Verb
  • Base: modernise
  • 3rd Person Singular: modernises
  • Present Participle: modernising
  • Past: modernised
Word family
Forms
modernises verb modernising verb modernised verb
Core family
modern adjective A2 modernisation noun B2
Related words
modernize verb B2 modernization noun B2
Advanced or less common
modernity noun C1 modernism noun C1 modernist noun
Expressions

No expressions linked to this entry yet.

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