# modern

/ˈmɑdɝn/ (US) · /mˈɒdən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/modern
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. current or recent

adjective · CEFR A1

belonging to the present time or using the most recent ideas and methods.

For teachers: relating to the present or recent times as opposed to the remote past.

- Modern technology has changed the way we communicate with our families.
- Modern agricultural techniques have significantly increased crop yields, though they have also raised concerns about long-term soil health and biodiversity.

### 2. style or design

adjective · CEFR A2

having a style that is new and fresh, rather than traditional.

For teachers: characterised by a style that departs from traditional or classical forms.

- The new office building has a very modern design with lots of glass.
- The gallery features a collection of modern furniture that emphasises minimalist aesthetics and functional industrial materials.

### 3. historical period

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

relating to the period of history from about 1500 to the present day.

For teachers: denoting the historical period following the Middle Ages, typically beginning around the 15th or 16th century.

- Students in the history class are studying modern European politics.
- Early modern history is often defined by the rise of the nation-state and the global expansion of maritime trade routes.

### 4. a person

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who lives in the present time or who has up-to-date ideas.

For teachers: a person who lives in modern times or who advocates for contemporary ideas and styles.

- We moderns often take high-speed internet for granted.
- The essay contrasts the anxieties of the moderns with the perceived stability of those living in the pre-industrial era.

## Examples

- The office has a very modern design.
- Modern medicine has made it possible to treat many diseases that were once considered fatal.
- While the exterior of the cathedral is strictly Gothic, the interior features modern lighting and sound systems that blend seamlessly with the historic architecture.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.