démodé
Something that is démodé is no longer in style or is considered old-fashioned.
Explanation at your level:
Démodé means something is not popular anymore. If you have a shirt that people wore 20 years ago, it is démodé. It is just a word for 'old-fashioned.' You can use it to talk about clothes or toys. It is not a new word, but it is fun to say!
When we say something is démodé, we mean it is out of style. You might see a car or a dress and think it looks old. That is because fashion changes fast! If something is not 'in,' it is démodé. It is a useful word for describing things that people don't like to wear or use anymore because they look too old.
The word démodé is a perfect way to describe trends that have faded. It is more specific than just saying 'old.' It implies that something was once popular, but now it is not. You will hear this word in magazines or when people talk about interior design or fashion. It is a bit more sophisticated than saying 'out of style.'
Using démodé allows you to express a nuance about cultural obsolescence. It isn't just about age; it is about the cycle of fashion. When you label something as démodé, you are acknowledging that it has been replaced by something more contemporary. It is a common term in discussions about art, lifestyle, and social norms, often carrying a slightly judgmental tone regarding current tastes.
In advanced English, démodé is used to critique the aesthetic relevance of an object or idea. It functions as a marker of cultural awareness, signaling that the speaker understands the current zeitgeist. It is frequently employed in literary or journalistic contexts to describe the decline of certain movements or the shift in societal values. Using this word demonstrates a grasp of loanwords that add texture and precision to one's vocabulary, moving beyond basic descriptors of age to focus on the concept of 'fashionability' as a transient state.
The term démodé serves as a fascinating linguistic bridge between historical French influence and contemporary English usage. At a mastery level, one understands that démodé is not merely a synonym for 'obsolete' but carries a specific connotation of aesthetic failure or social displacement. It is often used in high-register discourse to describe the transition of ideas from 'cutting edge' to 'passe.' Its usage requires an understanding of the cultural context in which trends operate. By employing this term, a speaker effectively highlights the inevitable decay of popularity, reflecting a deep engagement with the history of taste and the fluidity of cultural standards across different generations and social strata.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Means out of fashion.
- French origin.
- Used for style/design.
- Not for broken items.
Hey there! Have you ever looked at an old photo of your parents and thought, 'Wow, that outfit is really outdated'? That is exactly what démodé means! It is a fancy way of saying something is no longer fashionable.
Think of it as the opposite of 'trendy.' When something is démodé, it has lost its appeal because times have changed. It is not necessarily broken or useless; it just isn't what people are currently excited about.
You will often see this word used in the world of fashion, design, and even in how people talk about ideas or technology. It is a fun, slightly sophisticated word to use when you want to sound a bit more descriptive than just saying 'old' or 'uncool.' It’s all about the ebb and flow of popularity!
Did you guess that démodé sounds French? You are spot on! It comes directly from the French language, where 'dé-' means 'off' or 'out of,' and 'mode' means 'fashion' or 'way.'
So, literally, it means 'out of fashion.' It entered the English language in the 19th century as people became more interested in French culture and high fashion. During that time, being 'à la mode' (in fashion) was the height of sophistication, so naturally, the opposite term was needed to describe those who were falling behind the trends.
It is a great example of a loanword. English has borrowed thousands of words from French, and démodé keeps that elegant, slightly snooty flair that French terms often bring to our vocabulary. It has stayed in use because it perfectly captures that specific feeling of being just a little bit behind the times.
Using démodé is a great way to add flavor to your sentences. It is generally used as a predicative adjective, meaning it usually comes after a linking verb like 'is' or 'seems.' For example, you might say, 'That hairstyle is completely démodé.'
It is often used in contexts involving aesthetics, such as interior design, clothing, or even social etiquette. You wouldn't usually describe a broken machine as démodé; you would use it for things that are intentionally 'out of style' rather than just 'defective.'
The register is slightly elevated. While you can use it in casual conversation, it definitely sounds a bit more polished than saying something is 'lame' or 'boring.' It is a favorite among fashion critics and people who enjoy talking about cultural shifts.
While démodé itself isn't an idiom, it fits into the broader language of style. Here are some related expressions:
- Behind the times: Used when someone or something is not keeping up with current trends.
- Out of vogue: A direct synonym that sounds very professional.
- So last year: A casual way to say something is no longer popular.
- A relic of the past: Suggests something is very old and perhaps no longer relevant.
- Past its prime: Used when something was once great but is now fading.
These expressions help you convey the same feeling as démodé depending on how formal you want to be!
Grammatically, démodé is an adjective. It doesn't change for plural nouns in English—we don't add an 's'! You just use it as it is.
Pronunciation can be a bit tricky because of the French origin. In the UK and US, it is typically pronounced day-moh-DAY. The stress is usually on the first and last syllables.
It rhymes with words like 'café,' 'ballet,' or 'sauté.' Because it ends in an 'ay' sound, it has a very rhythmic, musical quality to it. Just remember to keep that 'd' sound at the end clear and crisp!
Fun Fact
The term 'mode' comes from the Latin 'modus', meaning 'measure' or 'manner'.
Pronunciation Guide
Starts with 'day', then 'moh', ends with 'day'.
Similar to UK, clear 'ay' sounds.
Common Errors
- Forgetting the accent on the e
- Pronouncing it like 'demode' (rhymes with code)
- Misplacing the stress
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read but requires knowing the French origin.
Easy to incorporate into descriptive writing.
Fun to say, but watch the pronunciation.
Common in media.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Adjective placement
The dress is démodé.
Loanwords in English
Using French terms.
Linking verbs
It looks démodé.
Examples by Level
That hat is démodé.
That hat is out of style.
Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.
My toy is démodé.
My toy is old-fashioned.
Possessive pronoun usage.
These shoes are démodé.
These shoes are not in style.
Plural noun usage.
Is this shirt démodé?
Is this shirt old-fashioned?
Question format.
His style is démodé.
His fashion sense is old.
Possessive adjective.
The dress looks démodé.
The dress looks outdated.
Linking verb 'looks'.
It is a démodé look.
It is an outdated style.
Adjective before noun.
They are démodé now.
They are not popular anymore.
Pronoun subject.
The furniture in the lobby looks quite démodé.
Many people think that neon colors are démodé.
She refused to wear the dress because it was démodé.
That old computer is completely démodé.
Is it démodé to write letters by hand?
The movie's special effects seem démodé today.
He felt his ideas were démodé at the meeting.
Don't buy that; it's already démodé.
The interior designer said the wallpaper was terribly démodé.
Some argue that formal etiquette is becoming démodé.
Even the most popular trends eventually become démodé.
She has a collection of démodé accessories from the sixties.
It is fascinating how quickly technology can become démodé.
He was criticized for his démodé views on technology.
The store specializes in selling items that are considered démodé.
I find his traditional approach to be somewhat démodé.
The film was a charming look at a lifestyle that is now considered démodé.
While some call it démodé, I find the classic design to be timeless.
The company struggled to sell its démodé products in a modern market.
He was accused of having démodé attitudes toward gender roles.
The architect rejected the démodé styles of the previous century.
It is a risk to invest in something that might soon be démodé.
She managed to make the démodé outfit look trendy again.
The debate highlighted the clash between modern and démodé values.
The author's prose style, once celebrated, is now viewed by critics as somewhat démodé.
In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, yesterday's strategies are often démodé by tomorrow.
The exhibition explores how art movements shift from avant-garde to démodé.
His philosophy, rooted in 19th-century ideals, felt increasingly démodé in the modern era.
The brand's attempt to modernize its image failed because the core design remained démodé.
Societal norms regarding work-life balance have rendered the old office culture démodé.
She argued that the concept of the 'traditional family' is not démodé but evolving.
The critique provided a scathing analysis of the démodé political rhetoric used by the candidate.
The curator meticulously cataloged the collection, noting which pieces had become démodé and which retained their aesthetic vitality.
There is a poignant irony in how the avant-garde of one generation inevitably becomes the démodé curiosity of the next.
The discourse surrounding the decline of the institution was framed by a sense that its foundational principles were now fundamentally démodé.
He navigated the social scene with an awareness that his manners, while impeccable, were perceived by the younger set as charmingly démodé.
The manuscript serves as a testament to a bygone era, capturing the essence of a worldview that is now entirely démodé.
Critics often conflate that which is merely démodé with that which is truly obsolete, failing to see the cyclical nature of fashion.
The rebranding effort was an attempt to shed the démodé reputation that had plagued the company for decades.
Her work challenges the viewer to reconsider the value of the démodé, finding beauty in that which society has discarded.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"out of the loop"
Not informed about current events.
I feel out of the loop with these trends.
casual"behind the times"
Not keeping up with modern ways.
My grandfather is a bit behind the times.
neutral"yesterday's news"
Something that is no longer important.
That scandal is yesterday's news.
casual"out of vogue"
No longer popular.
That color is currently out of vogue.
formal"past its sell-by date"
No longer useful or relevant.
That business model is past its sell-by date.
idiomatic"a thing of the past"
No longer happening or existing.
Film cameras are becoming a thing of the past.
neutralEasily Confused
Both mean old.
Obsolete means no longer used/functional; démodé means not stylish.
A typewriter is obsolete; a flared tie is démodé.
Both relate to age.
Vintage implies value/coolness; démodé implies lack of style.
That is a vintage car, not a démodé one.
Both mean old-fashioned.
Outdated is broader; démodé is specific to fashion.
Outdated applies to facts; démodé to aesthetics.
Both are French and mean old.
They are almost identical; passe is slightly more common in English.
That trend is so passe.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + démodé
This style is démodé.
Subject + looks + démodé
The room looks démodé.
Subject + becomes + démodé
Trends become démodé quickly.
Subject + is considered + démodé
It is considered démodé.
Subject + feels + démodé + in + context
The design feels démodé in this modern office.
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Adjectives
Verwandt
How to Use It
4
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
Démodé refers to style, not function.
Adjectives in English don't pluralize.
It needs the French-style ending.
It is usually for things, not people's personalities.
Démodé is slightly informal/literary.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'mode' (fashion) shop closing down and 'de' (removing) all the clothes.
When Native Speakers Use It
When discussing style trends or vintage items.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the French obsession with 'la mode'.
Grammar Shortcut
Treat it like 'blue' or 'red'—it never changes form.
Say It Right
Emphasize the final 'ay' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it for broken things.
Did You Know?
It is a cognate of 'mode'!
Study Smart
Use it in a sentence about your own clothes.
Register Check
Use it to sound a bit more sophisticated.
Rhyme Time
Rhyme it with 'café' to get the rhythm right.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
De-mode: 'De' (remove) the 'mode' (fashion).
Visual Association
A person wearing a 1920s suit in 2024.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Find one item in your house that you think is démodé and explain why.
Wortherkunft
French
Original meaning: Out of fashion
Kultureller Kontext
None, though it can sound slightly pretentious if used too much.
Used primarily in fashion, design, and lifestyle journalism.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Fashion
- a démodé outfit
- totally démodé
- no longer démodé
Design
- démodé furniture
- démodé color palette
- démodé style
Social Media
- this trend is démodé
- that look is démodé
- so démodé
Art
- a démodé movement
- considered démodé
- viewed as démodé
Conversation Starters
"What is one trend you think is completely démodé?"
"Do you think fashion trends come back after being démodé?"
"Is it better to be trendy or to ignore what is démodé?"
"Can you think of a piece of technology that is now démodé?"
"Why do you think some people enjoy wearing things that others call démodé?"
Journal Prompts
Describe an item in your room that you think is démodé.
Write about a time you wore something that was considered démodé.
Do you think it is important to follow trends to avoid being démodé?
Reflect on how your taste in style has changed over the years.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenNo, it can describe ideas, music, or design.
It is better to say someone is old-fashioned.
It is moderately common in fashion circles.
Day-moh-DAY.
It is a French loanword used in English.
No, adjectives do not change.
It is usually a neutral or slightly critical observation.
Yes, to describe outdated products or strategies.
Teste dich selbst
That old hat is ___.
Démodé means old-fashioned.
Which word means the same as démodé?
Outdated is a synonym.
Démodé is a verb.
It is an adjective.
Word
Bedeutung
Matching synonyms and antonyms.
Correct structure: Subject + verb + adverb + adjective.
The design felt ___ after the new trends arrived.
Context implies it became old.
What is the best context for démodé?
It relates to style.
Démodé can be used to describe a broken machine.
It describes style, not function.
Word
Bedeutung
Matching advanced synonyms.
Passive construction.
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
Démodé is the perfect word to describe something that has lost its fashionable edge.
- Means out of fashion.
- French origin.
- Used for style/design.
- Not for broken items.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'mode' (fashion) shop closing down and 'de' (removing) all the clothes.
When Native Speakers Use It
When discussing style trends or vintage items.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the French obsession with 'la mode'.
Grammar Shortcut
Treat it like 'blue' or 'red'—it never changes form.
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