modern
gb/mˈɑdɚn/ us/mˈɑdɚn/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Of the present or recent times
About the present time or recent years, not the past.
Usage pattern:
[something] is modern
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'modern' with 'contemporary art' specifically, but it can refer to any current period, not just art.
Synonyms
contemporary (Often interchangeable, but can imply being current in style as well as time.)
Antonyms
ancient (Refers to something from a very long time ago, opposite of present-day.)
Collocations
modern life
|modern society
|modern history
|modern world
|modern culture
Themes
time
|culture
|society
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Modern technology has changed the way we communicate.
- The novel offers a sharp critique of modern society.
- Many modern buildings use glass and steel in their design.
- Modern medicine has greatly increased life expectancy.
Learner examples
- I like modern music.
- Modern cars are very fast.
- Modern phones can take photos.
- Modern houses are warm in winter.
adjective
B1
property
2
Using new methods or technology
Using new ways or tools, not old ones.
Usage pattern:
[something] is modern
Common mistake:
Some learners think 'modern' always means 'better', but it simply means new or recent in method or design.
Synonyms
innovative (Implies introducing new ideas creatively, not just being up-to-date.)
Antonyms
traditional (Follows old customs or methods instead of new ones.)
Collocations
modern design
|modern approach
|modern techniques
|modern equipment
Themes
technology
|innovation
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The school uses modern teaching techniques to engage students.
- This software offers a modern solution to data management.
- Modern farming methods have improved crop yields.
Learner examples
- We use modern tools at work.
- The shop has modern machines.
- This is a modern way to cook.
adjective
A2
property
3
Fashionable or up-to-date in style
Looking new and popular in style now.
Usage pattern:
[something] is modern
Synonyms
stylish (Focuses more on attractiveness and fashion than recency alone.)
Antonyms
old-fashioned (Not fashionable; from an earlier time.)
Collocations
modern look
|modern furniture
|modern clothes
Themes
fashion
|design
|clothing
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The apartment has a clean, modern look.
- She prefers modern furniture over antiques.
- His office is decorated in a modern style.
Learner examples
- The room has a modern table.
- I like your modern dress.
- This chair is very modern.
Grammar
Dictionary form
modern
IPA
GB/mˈɑdɚn/
US/mˈɑdɚn/
Syllables & stress
mod - ern (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mod)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: modern
- Comparative: moderner
- Superlative: modernest
Word family
Forms
moderner
adjective
modernest
adjective
Core family
modernize
verb B2
modernization
noun B2
Related words
modernity
noun C1
Advanced or less common
Expressions
modern era
1/mˈɑdɚn ˈɛɹə/
fixed phrase
Current period in history
The time we live in now, starting in the last few hundred years.
Examples
- Many historians say the modern era began with the Industrial Revolution.
- We are living in the modern era of digital communication.
modern times
1/mˈɑdɚn tˈaɪmz/
fixed phrase
The present period of history
The time that is happening now in history.
Examples
- In modern times, people travel much more than before.
- Modern times have brought many changes to how we live.
modern world
1/mˈɑdɚn wˈɚld/
fixed phrase
The world as it is today
The way the world is now, with its people and problems.
Examples
- The internet has transformed the modern world.
- Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the modern world.