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A1 noun #3,925 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

modern

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces modern en 30 secondes

Explication modern in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'modern' is mostly used to describe things, like a 'modern house' or 'modern music'. However, when it is a noun, it means a person who likes new things and lives in the present time. Think of it as a person who loves their smartphone, new clothes, and new ideas. A modern is the opposite of someone who only likes old things or traditions. For example, if your friend always wants the newest phone and likes new styles, you can say your friend is a 'modern'. It is a simple way to talk about people who are part of today's world. You can say 'I am a modern' to show you like current life and new technology.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'modern' as a noun to group people together. A 'modern' is a person who lives in our current time and prefers new ways of doing things. You might hear people talk about 'the moderns', which means a group of people today who share the same new ideas. This is useful when you want to compare how people lived a long time ago with how we live now. For example, 'The moderns use the internet to learn, but people in the past used only books.' It helps you talk about social changes and how people's habits are different today because of technology and new fashions.

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For B1 learners, the noun 'modern' becomes a tool for discussing lifestyle and social attitudes. A modern is not just someone living now, but someone who actively embraces the 'new'. This person might reject old-fashioned rules in favor of more efficient or progressive ones. You can use 'a modern' to describe an individual's personality or 'the moderns' to describe a specific generation. For instance, you could discuss how 'the moderns' value work-life balance more than previous generations did. It allows you to move beyond simple descriptions and start analyzing why people behave the way they do in the contemporary world.

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At the B2 level, 'modern' as a noun is often used in the context of history, art, and sociology. You will see it used to refer to the 'moderns'—the thinkers and artists who emerged during the Modernist period (roughly late 19th to mid-20th century). These people were known for breaking traditional rules. In a debate, you might refer to 'the moderns' to represent a side that favors innovation and scientific progress. You can also use the term to critique society, discussing whether 'the moderns' have lost touch with important traditions or if their focus on the 'now' is a positive development for humanity.

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At the C1 level, you should be comfortable using 'modern' as a noun in academic and professional discourse. It often appears in the phrase 'the ancients and the moderns,' referring to a long-standing intellectual conflict over whether contemporary society can ever surpass the achievements of classical civilizations. As a C1 speaker, you might use 'modern' to categorize individuals within a philosophical framework, describing someone as a 'modern' to imply they hold a secular, rationalist, or progress-oriented worldview. This usage requires a nuanced understanding of how 'modernity' has shaped human identity and the various ways people react to it.

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For C2 mastery, 'modern' as a noun is a sophisticated rhetorical device. It can be used to invoke the entire weight of post-Enlightenment thought. When you refer to 'the moderns', you are often making a profound statement about the human condition in an era characterized by rapid technological change, urbanization, and the questioning of grand narratives. You might use the term in a critique of contemporary culture, perhaps arguing that 'the moderns' have exchanged spiritual depth for technological convenience. In this context, the word serves as a powerful label for a specific type of human consciousness that is unique to our historical moment.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

modern en 30 secondes

A 'modern' is a person who lives in the current time and embraces up-to-date ideas and lifestyles.
The noun form is often used to contrast contemporary people with those from the past or traditionalists.
In plural form, 'the moderns' refers to a generation or group that champions progress and innovation.
It is commonly used in art, literature, and sociology to categorize individuals by their contemporary mindset.

The term modern, when utilized as a noun, identifies an individual who is a product of the current era or someone who actively champions contemporary thought, aesthetics, and technological advancements. While we frequently encounter this word as an adjective to describe sleek architecture or new software, its noun form specifically categorizes a person. To be a modern is to be someone who looks forward rather than backward, often prioritizing innovation over the preservation of long-standing traditions. This distinction is vital in cultural and historical discussions where one might compare the 'ancients'—those who look to the past for wisdom—with the 'moderns'—those who believe that current knowledge and methods are superior or more relevant to today's challenges.

Cultural Identity: In the context of social groups, a modern is someone who feels most at home in the fast-paced, digital-centric world of the 21st century. They are the early adopters of technology and the proponents of progressive social change.

As a true modern, she preferred the minimalist design of her glass-walled apartment to the ornate decorations of her parents' Victorian home.

Historically, the term gained significant traction during the 'Querelle des Anciens et des Modernes' (Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns) in late 17th-century France. This intellectual debate pitted those who believed classical Greek and Roman literature could never be surpassed against the 'moderns' who argued that human knowledge and artistic expression continue to evolve and improve over time. Therefore, calling someone a modern isn't just saying they are young; it is a statement about their philosophical alignment with progress and the 'now'.

Technological Affinity: A modern is typically comfortable with rapid change. While a traditionalist might struggle with a new smartphone interface, a modern views such updates as necessary steps toward efficiency and better connectivity.

The conference was filled with moderns who were eager to discuss how artificial intelligence would reshape the future of education.

Aesthetic Preference: In art and fashion, a modern is a person who rejects the 'clutter' of the past. They favor clean lines, functionalism, and the use of new materials like steel, glass, and synthetic fabrics over traditional wood or stone.

He considered himself a modern because he only collected digital art and listened to music produced entirely on computers.

The clash between the traditionalists and the moderns in the company led to a complete overhaul of their branding strategy.

Being a modern involves more than just owning the latest gadget; it requires a mindset that embraces constant change and global connectivity.

Using 'modern' as a noun requires a specific grammatical setup, usually involving an article like 'a' or 'the'. Because it refers to a person or a group of people, it functions exactly like the nouns 'student' or 'teacher'. You can use it to define someone's character, their approach to life, or their place in a historical timeline. For instance, in a sentence like 'She is a modern through and through', the word 'modern' identifies her as a person who embodies contemporary values. This usage is particularly effective when you want to contrast one type of person with another, such as a traditionalist or a classicist.

Singular Usage: When referring to one individual, use 'a modern'. Example: 'As a modern, he found the ancient rituals of the village quite strange but fascinating.'

The young architect is a modern who believes that buildings should be as smart as the people living in them.

The plural form, 'moderns', is frequently used to describe a whole generation or a school of thought. If you are writing an essay about history or literature, you might use 'the moderns' to group together writers like James Joyce or Virginia Woolf, who broke away from traditional storytelling forms. In this context, 'the moderns' acts as a collective noun for those who participated in the Modernist movement. In everyday speech, you might say 'We moderns have a very different view of privacy than our grandparents did', which groups yourself and your peers into this category of people living in and shaped by the current time.

Comparative Usage: Use 'modern' as a noun when comparing people from different eras. Example: 'The ancients feared the thunder, but the moderns seek to harness its energy.'

Among the many traditionalists in the department, Sarah stood out as the only true modern.

Collective Identity: The term is useful for sociological descriptions. Example: 'The moderns of the 21st century are the first generation to grow up entirely in a connected world.'

To the moderns, the idea of waiting a week for a letter seems almost impossible to imagine.

Even though he was eighty years old, he was a modern at heart, always looking for the next big invention.

The debate between the ancients and the moderns continues to influence how we teach literature today.

You will encounter 'modern' as a noun in several distinct environments. One of the most common places is in academic lectures or textbooks, especially those focusing on history, philosophy, or literature. Professors often use 'the moderns' to distinguish thinkers from the Enlightenment or the Industrial Revolution onwards from those of the Middle Ages or Antiquity. If you are watching a documentary about the rise of the city or the development of the internet, the narrator might refer to 'us moderns' to create a sense of shared identity among the audience. It’s a way of saying 'people like us who live in this specific time'.

Art Galleries and Museums: When visiting an art museum, you might see a section dedicated to 'The Moderns'. This refers to the artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries who broke away from realistic representation to explore abstraction and emotion.

The curator explained that the moderns were obsessed with capturing the speed and energy of urban life.

In the world of interior design and architecture, professionals use the term to describe clients who have a specific taste. A designer might say, 'This furniture collection is perfect for the moderns who want a clean, uncluttered look.' Here, it acts as a shorthand for a demographic that values minimalism and new materials. You might also hear it in political or social commentary. A commentator might discuss how 'the moderns' are redefining family structures or workplace dynamics. In this sense, it’s used to describe a cohort of people who are actively changing the rules of society based on current needs rather than historical precedents.

Literature and Criticism: Literary critics use 'the moderns' to refer to writers who experimented with stream-of-consciousness and non-linear narratives. Example: 'The moderns sought to represent the inner workings of the human mind.'

In his lecture, the professor contrasted the stoicism of the ancients with the existential anxiety of the moderns.

Technology and Innovation: Tech enthusiasts might use the term to describe their community. Example: 'We moderns see the world as a series of problems waiting for a digital solution.'

The marketing team targeted their new app at the moderns who value time-saving automation over traditional methods.

The documentary explores how the moderns of the mid-century transformed the American landscape with highways and suburbs.

She was described by the critic as a modern whose poetry captured the fragmented nature of contemporary life.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is using 'modern' as a noun when they actually mean 'modernity' or 'modernism'. 'Modernity' refers to the state of being modern or the historical period, while 'modernism' refers to a specific movement in the arts and philosophy. If you say 'The modern of the city is impressive', it is incorrect. You should say 'The modernity of the city' or 'The modern architecture of the city'. Remember, as a noun, 'modern' refers to a *person*. So, you can say 'The moderns of the city are very tech-savvy', meaning the people who live there.

Confusing Noun and Adjective: Mistake: 'He lives in a very modern.' (Incorrect). Correct: 'He lives in a very modern house' (Adjective) or 'He is a very committed modern.' (Noun, referring to the person).

Incorrect: We must embrace the modern of our time. (Should be 'modernity').

Another common mistake is failing to use an article with the singular noun. Because 'modern' is a countable noun when referring to a person, you cannot say 'He is modern' if you mean 'He is a contemporary person' (though 'He is modern' is correct as an adjective describing his style). To use the noun form, you must say 'He is a modern'. Furthermore, people often forget that 'moderns' (plural) is the standard way to refer to a group. Saying 'The modern people' is fine, but 'The moderns' is more concise and carries a more specific intellectual weight.

Overusing the Noun Form: Since the noun form is somewhat formal, using it in very casual conversation might sound a bit stiff. For example, saying 'My friend is a modern' sounds more like a sociological observation than saying 'My friend is really into new stuff'.

Incorrect: The moderns technology is amazing. (Should be 'modern technology').

Incorrect Pluralization: Avoid saying 'The modern' when you mean 'The modern people'. Use 'The moderns' to refer to the group collectively.

Correct: Among the moderns, there is a strong belief in the power of science.

Incorrect: He is a modern of architecture. (Should be 'He is a modern architect').

Correct: To the moderns, history is something to be learned from, not repeated.

If you find yourself using 'modern' too often, or if it doesn't quite fit the tone of your sentence, there are several alternatives. A very close synonym is contemporary. While 'modern' often implies a preference for the new, 'contemporary' simply means 'living or occurring at the same time'. Another option is progressive, which emphasizes the person's desire for social or political change. If you are talking about someone who is always ahead of the curve, you might call them a trendsetter or an innovator. Each of these words shifts the focus slightly, so choosing the right one depends on what aspect of being 'modern' you want to highlight.

Modern vs. Contemporary: 'A modern' usually refers to someone aligned with the values of the modern era (innovation, technology). 'A contemporary' is someone who lives at the same time as someone else. You could be a contemporary of George Washington, but you wouldn't be a modern in that context.

While he was a modern in his use of technology, his social views were quite traditional.

In more specialized contexts, you might use words like modernist. A 'modernist' is specifically a person who follows the tenets of Modernism in art, music, or literature. If you are talking about someone who loves the latest gadgets, technophile might be more accurate. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you want to contrast a modern with someone who loves the past, you would use words like traditionalist, classicist, or antiquarian. These comparisons help define what being a modern actually means by showing what it is not.

Modern vs. Progressive: A modern focuses on the 'now' and the new. A progressive focuses on moving toward a better future through reform. Many moderns are progressives, but not all.

The moderns of the jazz age sought to break every rule of classical composition.

Synonym: Neoteric: This is a very formal, almost rare synonym for a modern. It refers to a person who advocates for new things or ideas. Use it in very high-level academic writing.

The moderns and the ancients have been in conflict since the dawn of intellectual history.

He was a modern who believed that the only way to save the planet was through technological innovation.

The exhibit juxtaposes the works of the old masters with the bold experiments of the moderns.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The noun form became famous during the 'Battle of the Books' in the 17th century, where people actually identified themselves as either an 'Ancient' or a 'Modern' in their literary preferences.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈmɒd.ən/

US /ˈmɑː.dɚn/

The stress is on the first syllable: MOD-ern.

Rime avec

pattern slattern cavern (near rhyme) tavern (near rhyme) lantern western (near rhyme) govern (near rhyme) discern (near rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'mo-DERN' with stress on the second syllable.
Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'o' in 'go' (it should be short).
Over-emphasizing the 'e' in the second syllable.
In British English, pronouncing the 'r' too strongly.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'moderne' (French style).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The noun form is slightly less common than the adjective, but the meaning is clear from context.

Écriture 3/5

Requires careful use of articles and a clear understanding of the 'person' vs 'quality' distinction.

Expression orale 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but learners must remember to use it to describe people.

Écoute 2/5

Common in educational and cultural media.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

new person time idea old

Apprends ensuite

modernity contemporary innovation tradition progressive

Avancé

modernism postmodernism Enlightenment secularism rationalism

Grammaire à connaître

Nouns from Adjectives

Using 'modern' as a noun is an example of an adjective becoming a substantive noun.

Countable vs. Uncountable

'A modern' is countable (people), while 'modernity' is uncountable (concept).

Collective Plurals

'The moderns' uses the definite article 'the' to refer to a specific group.

Articles with Nouns

Always use 'a' or 'the' before 'modern' when it is a singular noun.

Subject-Verb Agreement

'The moderns ARE...' (plural) vs 'A modern IS...' (singular).

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Exemples par niveau

He is a modern who loves new games.

Dia adalah orang modern yang menyukai permainan baru.

Here 'modern' is a noun meaning a person.

Are you a modern or do you like old things?

Apakah kamu orang modern atau kamu suka hal-hal lama?

Used in a question to identify a person's preference.

A modern likes to use a computer every day.

Orang modern suka menggunakan komputer setiap hari.

Singular noun with the article 'a'.

My sister is a modern; she only wears new styles.

Adikku adalah orang modern; dia hanya memakai gaya baru.

Linking verb 'is' connects the subject to the noun 'modern'.

The moderns in my class use tablets to take notes.

Orang-orang modern di kelasku menggunakan tablet untuk mencatat.

Plural noun 'moderns' referring to a group.

Is he a modern? He has a very new car.

Apakah dia orang modern? Dia punya mobil yang sangat baru.

Noun used to categorize a person based on their possessions.

She is a modern because she likes new ideas.

Dia adalah orang modern karena dia suka ide-ide baru.

Explaining the reason why someone is called 'a modern'.

We are moderns; we live in the city.

Kami adalah orang-orang modern; kami tinggal di kota.

First-person plural usage.

The moderns of today often shop online.

Orang-orang modern saat ini sering berbelanja online.

Refers to a demographic group.

As a modern, she prefers emails to letters.

Sebagai orang modern, dia lebih suka email daripada surat.

Prepositional phrase 'As a modern'.

Many moderns do not have a television at home.

Banyak orang modern tidak memiliki televisi di rumah.

Quantifier 'Many' used with the plural noun.

He is a modern who thinks technology is helpful.

Dia adalah orang modern yang menganggap teknologi itu membantu.

Relative clause 'who thinks technology is helpful'.

The moderns in the city like to eat fast food.

Orang-orang modern di kota suka makan makanan cepat saji.

Noun phrase 'The moderns in the city'.

Is she a modern or a traditionalist?

Apakah dia orang modern atau orang tradisional?

Contrasting two types of people.

The moderns use apps to find their way.

Orang-orang modern menggunakan aplikasi untuk menemukan jalan mereka.

Plural subject performing an action.

He calls himself a modern because he likes robots.

Dia menyebut dirinya orang modern karena dia suka robot.

Reflexive verb 'calls himself'.

The moderns of this generation value their freedom.

Orang-orang modern generasi ini menghargai kebebasan mereka.

Focuses on abstract values of a group.

She considers herself a modern and rejects old customs.

Dia menganggap dirinya orang modern dan menolak adat lama.

Verb 'considers' followed by the noun.

To the moderns, working from home is very normal.

Bagi orang-orang modern, bekerja dari rumah adalah hal yang sangat biasa.

Phrase 'To the moderns' indicating perspective.

He is a true modern, always looking for the latest app.

Dia adalah orang modern sejati, selalu mencari aplikasi terbaru.

Appositive phrase providing more detail.

The moderns are changing how we communicate with each other.

Orang-orang modern sedang mengubah cara kita berkomunikasi satu sama lain.

Present continuous tense showing ongoing change.

Being a modern means staying updated with world news.

Menjadi orang modern berarti tetap mengikuti berita dunia.

Gerund 'Being' acting as the subject.

The moderns of the early 20th century loved jazz.

Orang-orang modern di awal abad ke-20 menyukai jazz.

Historical reference to a group of people.

As moderns, we must think about the environment more.

Sebagai orang-orang modern, kita harus lebih memikirkan lingkungan.

Inclusive 'we' used with the plural noun.

The debate between the ancients and the moderns is famous.

Perdebatan antara orang kuno dan orang modern sangat terkenal.

Noun 'moderns' used in a historical/literary context.

He was a modern who believed in the power of science.

Dia adalah orang modern yang percaya pada kekuatan sains.

Defining a person's philosophical stance.

The moderns sought to break away from classical traditions.

Orang-orang modern berusaha melepaskan diri dari tradisi klasik.

Action verb 'sought' describing the group's goal.

She was described as a modern whose art was very bold.

Dia digambarkan sebagai orang modern yang seninya sangat berani.

Passive voice 'was described as'.

To many moderns, the past is just a collection of stories.

Bagi banyak orang modern, masa lalu hanyalah kumpulan cerita.

Expressing a specific viewpoint toward history.

The moderns of the design world prefer steel and glass.

Orang-orang modern di dunia desain lebih menyukai baja dan kaca.

Categorizing people within a specific professional field.

He is a modern at heart, despite his love for old books.

Dia adalah orang modern di dalam hatinya, meskipun dia menyukai buku-buku lama.

Idiomatic expression 'at heart'.

The moderns have a different perspective on global issues.

Orang-orang modern memiliki perspektif yang berbeda tentang isu-isu global.

Plural subject with a collective viewpoint.

The moderns argued that human reason could perfect society.

Orang-orang modern berargumen bahwa akal manusia dapat menyempurnakan masyarakat.

Reference to Enlightenment thinkers.

As a modern, she viewed the ritual as a curious relic.

Sebagai orang modern, dia memandang ritual itu sebagai peninggalan yang aneh.

Using 'modern' to denote a secular/rationalist perspective.

The clash between the ancients and the moderns defined the era.

Benturan antara orang kuno dan orang modern mendefinisikan era tersebut.

Abstract noun phrase 'The clash between...'.

He was a modern who championed the cause of urbanization.

Dia adalah orang modern yang memperjuangkan penyebab urbanisasi.

Defining a person's role in a historical movement.

The moderns of the literary world experimented with form.

Orang-orang modern di dunia sastra bereksperimen dengan bentuk.

Specific reference to literary Modernism.

For the moderns, the individual is the center of the universe.

Bagi orang-orang modern, individu adalah pusat alam semesta.

Philosophical statement using the plural noun.

She remains a modern, always pushing for technological reform.

Dia tetap menjadi orang modern, selalu mendorong reformasi teknologi.

Verb 'remains' indicating a lasting identity.

The moderns were often criticized for their lack of tradition.

Orang-orang modern sering dikritik karena kurangnya tradisi mereka.

Passive voice 'were often criticized'.

The moderns' obsession with efficiency often comes at a cost.

Obsesi orang-orang modern terhadap efisiensi sering kali harus dibayar mahal.

Possessive plural noun 'moderns' '.

To be a modern is to live in a state of perpetual transition.

Menjadi orang modern berarti hidup dalam keadaan transisi yang abadi.

Infinitive phrase 'To be a modern' as a subject.

The moderns of the 21st century inhabit a digital panopticon.

Orang-orang modern abad ke-21 menghuni panoptikon digital.

Metaphorical usage in a social critique.

He was a modern who found beauty in the industrial landscape.

Dia adalah orang modern yang menemukan keindahan dalam lanskap industri.

Defining an aesthetic sensibility.

The moderns' rejection of the past led to a crisis of identity.

Penolakan orang-orang modern terhadap masa lalu menyebabkan krisis identitas.

Complex noun phrase involving a possessive.

She was a modern who sought to deconstruct every social norm.

Dia adalah orang modern yang berusaha mendekonstruksi setiap norma sosial.

Academic verb 'deconstruct' with the noun 'modern'.

The moderns are defined by their reliance on abstract systems.

Orang-orang modern didefinisikan oleh ketergantungan mereka pada sistem abstrak.

Passive voice with a defining characteristic.

Among the moderns, the concept of 'home' is increasingly fluid.

Di antara orang-orang modern, konsep 'rumah' semakin cair.

Prepositional phrase 'Among the moderns'.

Synonymes

contemporary modernist progressive newcomer neoteric

Antonymes

traditionalist conservative antique

Collocations courantes

true modern

the moderns and the ancients

committed modern

group of moderns

young modern

urban modern

sophisticated modern

radical modern

secular modern

literary modern

Phrases Courantes

a modern at heart

— Someone who naturally prefers new and progressive things, even if they don't look like it.

My grandmother is eighty, but she's a modern at heart; she loves her iPad.

the moderns among us

— The people in a group who have contemporary views.

The moderns among us believe that remote work is the future.

to be a modern

— To embody the characteristics of the current era.

To be a modern is to accept that change is the only constant.

clash of the moderns

— A disagreement between people with different contemporary viewpoints.

The meeting turned into a clash of the moderns over which software to use.

voice of the moderns

— A person or thing that represents contemporary thought.

The magazine aims to be the voice of the moderns in the fashion industry.

modern through and through

— Completely modern in every way.

Her new house is modern through and through, with glass walls and smart tech.

modern of the times

— A person who perfectly reflects their specific time period.

He was a true modern of the times, obsessed with speed and flight.

one of the moderns

— A member of the contemporary group.

As one of the moderns, I find the old filing system very confusing.

modern in outlook

— Having a contemporary way of thinking (using the noun sense).

She is a modern in outlook, always ready for the next innovation.

the moderns' perspective

— The viewpoint held by contemporary people.

The moderns' perspective on privacy is quite different from that of the 1950s.

Souvent confondu avec

modern vs modernity

Modernity is the abstract concept or period; a modern is a person.

modern vs modernism

Modernism is the specific artistic movement; a modern is a person who might follow it.

modern vs moderne

Moderne usually refers to a specific style of architecture or design (Art Deco).

Expressions idiomatiques

"get with the times"

— To start doing things in a modern way. Related to being a modern.

You need to get with the times and start using a computer!

Informal

"ahead of one's time"

— To be a modern before the era has actually arrived.

The inventor was a modern who was truly ahead of his time.

Neutral

"sign of the times"

— Something that shows what life is like now.

The rise of electric cars is a sign of the times for all moderns.

Neutral

"out with the old, in with the new"

— The philosophy of a modern who wants to replace traditions with innovations.

The new CEO's motto is 'out with the old, in with the new'.

Informal

"the here and now"

— The current time, which a modern focuses on.

As a modern, she is only interested in the here and now.

Neutral

"break the mold"

— To do something in a completely new way, as a modern would.

The young designer is a modern who really broke the mold with her latest collection.

Informal

"cutting edge"

— The most modern and advanced point of something.

The moderns are always looking for technology on the cutting edge.

Neutral

"wave of the future"

— A new trend that moderns believe will become standard.

To the moderns, renewable energy is the wave of the future.

Neutral

"state of the art"

— The most modern and best version of something.

A true modern only uses state-of-the-art equipment.

Neutral

"brave new world"

— A new and changing situation, often used by moderns to describe the future.

The moderns are eager to explore this brave new world of artificial intelligence.

Literary

Facile à confondre

modern vs modernist

Both refer to people and are related to 'modern'.

A 'modern' is any contemporary person; a 'modernist' is someone who specifically follows the artistic style of Modernism.

Every modernist is a modern, but not every modern is a modernist.

modern vs contemporary

They both mean 'of the now'.

Contemporary means living at the same time; modern implies having new and up-to-date ideas.

Shakespeare was a contemporary of Marlowe, but neither was a 'modern' in our sense.

modern vs progressive

Both like new things and change.

Progressive is usually political or social; modern is more about lifestyle, taste, and technology.

The moderns love the new city design, and the progressives love the new city laws.

modern vs innovator

Both are associated with the new.

An innovator is someone who *creates* the new; a modern is someone who *uses* or *prefers* the new.

The innovator built the app for all the moderns to use.

modern vs newbie

Both words involve 'new'.

A newbie is a beginner; a modern is a person who is up-to-date and sophisticated with current trends.

He is not a newbie to tech; he is a true modern who knows every system.

Structures de phrases

I am a modern.

I am a modern and I like computers.

The moderns like [Activity].

The moderns like to shop online.

As a modern, I prefer [Option A] to [Option B].

As a modern, I prefer digital books to paper ones.

The moderns of the [Time Period] [Verb]...

The moderns of the 1920s changed the world of music.

The clash between [Group A] and the moderns...

The clash between the classicists and the moderns was evident in the gallery.

[Person] was a modern who [Action]...

He was a modern who championed the use of renewable energy.

To be a modern is to [Infinitive Phrase]...

To be a modern is to embrace the constant flux of the digital age.

The moderns' [Noun] is [Adjective]...

The moderns' reliance on technology is sometimes problematic.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

The adjective form is very high frequency; the noun form is medium frequency, primarily in intellectual contexts.

Erreurs courantes

The modern of the building is beautiful. → The modernity of the building is beautiful.
You cannot use 'modern' as a noun for objects. Use 'modernity' for the abstract quality of being modern.
He is a very modern. → He is a very modern person. / He is a modern.
If you use 'very', you usually need the adjective form ('very modern person'). If you use it as a noun, 'He is a modern' is correct, but 'very' doesn't fit well before the noun.
The moderns technology is changing fast. → Modern technology is changing fast.
In this sentence, you need an adjective to describe 'technology'. 'Moderns' is a plural noun referring to people.
He is an modern. → He is a modern.
'Modern' starts with a consonant sound, so you must use 'a' instead of 'an'.
The moderns of the past were ancients. → The people of the past were ancients.
This is logically confusing. 'Moderns' refers to people of the current time or those with contemporary ideas. You can't be a 'modern' of the ancient past.

Astuces

Use Articles

Always remember to use 'a' or 'the' when using 'modern' as a noun in the singular. 'He is modern' is an adjective description; 'He is a modern' is a noun classification.

Contrast with Ancients

The noun 'modern' is most powerful when used in contrast. If you are talking about history or ideas, compare 'the moderns' with 'the ancients' to show two different ways of thinking.

Modern vs. Modernist

Use 'modernist' for art and literature movements. Use 'modern' for a general person who likes new things. This distinction is important for B2 and C1 level exams.

Sound More Professional

In your essays, try replacing 'people today' with 'the moderns'. It sounds more analytical and sophisticated, especially when discussing social trends.

Avoid Inanimate Nouns

Never use 'modern' as a noun for things. Don't say 'The modern of the phone'. Instead, say 'The modern features of the phone' or 'The modernity of the design'.

Listen for Plurals

When you hear 'the moderns' in a podcast, the speaker is likely grouping people by their mindset. This is a key clue for understanding social and cultural discussions.

Embrace the 'Now'

Use 'As a modern...' to start a sentence when you want to explain why you like a new technology or a contemporary idea. It sets a clear context for your listeners.

Mode of Now

Think: MOD (Mode/Fashion) + ERN (Era/Now). A modern is someone who follows the 'Mode of Now'.

Cultural Sensitivity

Be aware that in very traditional cultures, calling someone 'a modern' might be seen as a mild insult. Use it carefully depending on who you are talking to.

Collective Identity

Use 'we moderns' to create a sense of shared experience with your reader. It's a great way to engage an audience when writing blog posts or opinion pieces.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Modern' as someone who lives for the 'Mode' (fashion) of 'Now'. MOD + ERN = Mode of the current Era.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person standing in a futuristic glass room holding a holographic tablet, looking away from a dusty old library.

Word Web

Technology Innovation Current Progress New Fashion Digital Future

Défi

Try to describe three people you know. Is one of them a 'modern'? Why? Use the noun form in a full sentence.

Origine du mot

The word 'modern' comes from the Late Latin word 'modernus', which was derived from the Latin adverb 'modo', meaning 'just now'. It first appeared in English in the late 16th century to describe things belonging to the present time.

Sens originel : The original meaning was 'pertaining to the present or recent times', as opposed to the remote past.

It belongs to the Indo-European family, entering English through Middle French 'moderne' from Latin.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when calling someone a 'modern' in a religious context, as it can sometimes imply a lack of faith in traditional values.

In the UK and US, 'the moderns' often refers specifically to the generation of the early 20th century or to people who are very tech-savvy today.

The Battle of the Books by Jonathan Swift (Ancient vs. Moderns). Modern Times (film by Charlie Chaplin). The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Technology Discussion

As a modern...
The moderns prefer...
Tech-savvy moderns...
Digital moderns...

Art and Design

A true modern...
The moderns' aesthetic...
Moderns of the era...
Minimalist moderns...

History Class

The ancients and the moderns...
Early moderns...
The moderns argued...
Moderns of the 18th century...

Social Commentary

We moderns...
To the moderns...
The moderns' lifestyle...
Moderns of today...

Fashion and Lifestyle

A stylish modern...
Moderns on the move...
The modern's wardrobe...
Moderns and trends...

Amorces de conversation

"Do you consider yourself a modern or do you prefer traditional ways of living?"

"Why do you think some moderns find it difficult to appreciate history?"

"What is the one piece of technology that every true modern must have today?"

"If you could talk to the moderns of 100 years ago, what would you tell them about our world?"

"Do you think the moderns of the future will look back at us as being old-fashioned?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a person you know who is a 'true modern'. What makes them fit this description?

Write about a time when you acted like a modern by choosing a new idea over an old tradition.

Compare the lives of 'the moderns' in your city with how people lived fifty years ago.

How does being a modern affect the way you communicate with your family and friends?

Reflect on the 'clash' between the ancients and the moderns. Which side do you usually take?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, as a noun, 'modern' only refers to a person. To describe a car, you must use it as an adjective: 'a modern car'. If you say 'the modern of the car', it is grammatically incorrect. You should use 'modernity' or simply the adjective form.

Not exactly. While many moderns are young, the term refers to a mindset rather than an age. An eighty-year-old who loves new technology and progressive ideas can be called a 'modern'. Conversely, a young person who prefers old traditions might not be considered a 'modern'.

It is less common than the adjective form in casual conversation. You are more likely to hear 'modern person'. However, in books, articles, and academic settings, the noun form 'a modern' or 'the moderns' is very common and sounds quite professional.

The plural is simply 'moderns'. You use it like 'the moderns' to refer to a group of people who share contemporary values or live in the current era. Example: 'The moderns believe in the importance of digital literacy.'

A 'modern' is a general term for a contemporary person who likes new things. A 'modernist' is a specific term for someone who follows the principles of 'Modernism', which was a movement in art and literature in the early 20th century.

Yes, sometimes people use it to criticize someone for being too focused on the present and ignoring the past. For example, a traditionalist might say, 'The moderns have no respect for our ancestors' wisdom,' implying that they are shallow or disconnected from history.

It is 'a modern'. The word 'modern' starts with a consonant sound ('m'), so you use the article 'a'. Example: 'He is a modern.' Using 'an' would be incorrect.

The noun usage became popular in the 17th century during the 'Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns' in France and England. It was used to distinguish contemporary writers and thinkers from the classical ones of Greece and Rome.

No, to refer to a period, you should use 'modernity' or 'the modern era'. 'Modern' as a noun specifically refers to the *people* within that period or who hold those ideas.

Yes, it is generally considered more formal or literary than saying 'modern person'. Using it correctly can make your English sound more advanced and precise, especially in writing.

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