What is modern? Pronunciation and usage in English

modern means . Learn how to pronounce and use modern through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of modern

modernadjective

/ˈmɒdn/
Definition & pronunciation of modern

Okay, let's break down the pronunciation of "modern." It can be a tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈmɑːdern/ (American English)
    • ˈmɑːdern - This is the stressed syllable.
    • m - pronounced like the "m" in "man"
    • ɑː - This is a broad "ah" sound, like in "father." It's a longer, fuller vowel sound than the "a" in "cat."
    • dern - pronounced like "dern" in "dernier."

Here’s a more detailed breakdown with phonetic symbols (IPA):

  • /ˈmɔːdern/ (British English - more common in the UK)
    • ˈmɔːdern - This is the stressed syllable.
    • m - pronounced like the "m" in "man"
    • ɔː - This is a rounded "aw" sound, like in "caught" or "law." It's a slightly more closed vowel than the American "ɑː."
    • dern - pronounced like "dern" in "dernier."

Tips for pronouncing it correctly:

  • Stress: The emphasis is always on the first syllable ("mod-").
  • The "a" sound: This is key! Really try to make that long, open "ah" sound. Don't say it like "mo-dern."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced. Here are some resources:

To help me give you even more tailored feedback, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) – This helps me accurately reflect the regional pronunciation you're aiming for.

Usage and examples with the word modern in English

Let's break down how to use the word "modern" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different shades of meaning!

1. As an Adjective (Most Common Usage):

  • Meaning 1: Contemporary & Up-to-date: This is the most frequent way to use "modern." It means current, belonging to the present time, or following the latest trends.

    • Example: "This is a modern apartment with stainless steel appliances." (Meaning: It's a contemporary apartment.)
    • Example: "She prefers modern art over traditional paintings." (Meaning: She likes art that reflects current styles.)
    • Example: "He has a modern approach to business, focusing on efficiency and technology." (Meaning: His approach is current and uses the latest methods.)

  • Meaning 2: Stylish & Fashionable: It can also describe something that's fashionable or trendy.

    • Example: "She wore a modern dress with a geometric design." (Meaning: It was a stylish and contemporary dress.)
    • Example: "They have a modern car with sleek lines." (Meaning: It’s a stylish and up-to-date car.)

2. As a Noun (Less Common):

  • Meaning: A period of time: "Modern" refers to the period of time from roughly the late 19th century to the present day.
    • Example: "The Modern art movement began in the early 20th century."
    • Example: “He studied Modern history.” (meaning: 20th and 21st century history)

3. Using "Modern" with Qualifiers:

You can make your meaning more precise by adding qualifiers:

  • Ultra-modern: Extremely modern; very cutting-edge. “An ultra-modern skyscraper”
  • Contemporary: Similar to modern, but often used to describe art and design. “Contemporary architecture” (often has slightly different characteristics than “modern”)
  • Modernist: Referring to the "Modernist" movement (particularly in art and architecture) – typically associated with simplification, functionality, and a rejection of traditional styles. “Modernist furniture”
  • Modernize: (Verb) To make something modern. “We need to modernize our website.”

4. Things to Note:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "modern" depends heavily on the context.
  • "Modern" vs. "Contemporary": These words are often used interchangeably, but "contemporary" can sometimes imply a more immediate or current trend, whereas "modern" can feel a bit more established. Think of “contemporary” as right now, and “modern” as current.
  • Avoid overuse: Using "modern" too frequently can make your writing sound bland. Try to use more specific adjectives when possible.

Here’s a quick recap table:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Adjective Contemporary/Stylish A modern car, a modern design
Noun The period (1800s-present) The Modern art movement

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use "modern" in? (e.g., writing a description, giving feedback, having a conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word modern

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