Explanation at your level:
A modern is a person who likes new things. Do you like new phones? Do you like new clothes? If yes, you are a modern person! You like the world today, not the world from a long time ago.
A modern is someone who prefers new styles. They like to use the latest technology and follow current fashions. They are not interested in doing things the old way. They want to be part of the current time.
In English, we call someone a modern if they embrace current ideas and technologies. These people often value progress and change. They might reject old traditions if they feel those traditions don't fit into our current, fast-moving world.
The term modern as a noun refers to an individual who identifies with contemporary life. It is often used to describe someone with progressive values who prefers innovation over historical precedent. It is a useful term in discussions about culture, art, and philosophy.
When used as a noun, modern denotes a person who rejects traditionalism in favor of contemporary intellectual or social currents. It is frequently applied in historical or literary contexts to describe those who championed new movements, such as 'The Moderns' in early 20th-century literature. It implies a conscious choice to align with the present.
The noun modern functions as a label for an individual whose worldview is defined by the ethos of the present era. Historically, it carries the weight of the 'Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns,' a famous intellectual debate. Today, it signifies a person who is not merely living in the present but is an active agent of contemporary thought, often characterized by a rejection of dogmatic adherence to the past in favor of empirical or progressive advancement.
30秒でわかる単語
- A modern is a person who embraces current times.
- It comes from the Latin word 'modo'.
- It is often contrasted with 'traditionalist'.
- It is a countable noun.
When we talk about a modern, we are describing someone who is firmly rooted in the 'now.' Unlike someone who clings to the past, a modern looks forward to the future.
This person is often excited by innovation and technology. They aren't just living in the present; they are actively participating in the culture of today. Whether it is fashion, philosophy, or gadgets, a modern is always keeping up with what is current.
Think of this person as the opposite of a traditionalist. While a traditionalist might ask, 'How have we always done this?', the modern asks, 'How can we do this better using today's tools?' It is a mindset of progress and curiosity.
The word modern has a fascinating journey through time. It comes from the Late Latin word modernus, which itself is derived from modo, meaning 'just now' or 'lately.'
It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages. Back then, it was used to distinguish the 'current' era from the 'ancient' world of Greece and Rome. It has always been a word about perspective—what is 'modern' to one generation eventually becomes 'ancient' to the next.
Over centuries, it evolved from a simple temporal marker into a cultural label. During the Enlightenment, being a modern meant you were a person of reason and science, moving away from medieval superstition. It has survived as a powerful descriptor for anyone who values the cutting edge of human development.
Using modern as a noun is slightly less common than using it as an adjective, but it is very effective in academic or philosophical debates. You might hear it in contexts like 'the clash between the ancient and the modern.'
Common collocations include 'the moderns' when referring to a group of people, or 'a true modern' when describing an individual's personality. It is often used in art history or literature to categorize people who broke away from classical rules.
In casual conversation, you might simply say, 'He is a real modern,' implying that the person is very tech-savvy or has progressive views on life. It carries a slightly intellectual tone, so use it when you want to sound thoughtful about someone's lifestyle choices.
While 'modern' itself isn't the core of many idioms, it appears in several modern-day expressions:
- Modern-day hero: Someone who performs brave acts in the current age.
- With the times: Keeping up with modern trends.
- A modern take: A fresh, updated version of an old idea.
- Modern conveniences: The technology that makes our lives easier today.
- Modern living: The lifestyle associated with urban, tech-driven society.
These phrases help capture the essence of what it means to live as a modern person in a fast-paced world.
As a noun, modern is countable. You can speak of 'a modern' or 'the moderns' when referring to a group. The pronunciation is MOD-urn in both British and American English.
The stress is firmly on the first syllable. A common mistake is to over-pronounce the 'n' or blur the 'd' sound. It rhymes with words like govern or sojourn.
Grammatically, it functions like any other noun—it can be the subject of a sentence or the object of a verb. Just remember that when you use it as a noun, you are specifically highlighting the person rather than the quality of something.
Fun Fact
It comes from the Latin 'modo', which is also where we get the word 'mode'.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'o' sound, clear 'd', silent 'n' at end.
Open 'a' sound, rhotic 'r', clear 'n'.
Common Errors
- Misplacing the stress
- Pronouncing the 'r' too softly in UK English
- Adding an extra syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand in context.
Easy to use as an adjective, noun usage takes practice.
Commonly used in speech.
Clear pronunciation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
上級
Grammar to Know
Noun usage
He is a modern.
Adjective usage
A modern house.
Pluralization
The moderns.
Examples by Level
He is a modern.
He is a person of now.
Simple subject-verb-noun.
She is a true modern.
She really likes new things.
Adjective modifying the noun.
They are moderns.
They are people of today.
Plural noun.
Be a modern.
Try new things.
Imperative.
He acts like a modern.
He behaves in a new way.
Prepositional phrase.
Are you a modern?
Do you like new things?
Interrogative.
I am a modern.
I like today's world.
First person singular.
We are moderns.
We like new ideas.
First person plural.
She considers herself a modern.
The moderns prefer digital tools.
He is a modern at heart.
They are true moderns.
A modern always looks ahead.
She is a classic modern.
The moderns value change.
He is becoming a modern.
As a modern, he embraces new technology.
The debate pitted the traditionalists against the moderns.
She is a modern who loves history but lives for today.
To be a modern is to accept constant change.
He is a modern in his approach to business.
The group of moderns met to discuss the future.
She is a modern, always seeking the newest trends.
He acts as a modern in his creative work.
He is a self-proclaimed modern who rejects all tradition.
The moderns of the 20th century changed art forever.
She is a modern, navigating the complexities of the digital age.
The moderns are often criticized for ignoring the past.
He is a modern, prioritizing efficiency above all else.
Being a modern requires a willingness to adapt.
The moderns believe in the power of progress.
She is a modern who challenges the status quo.
The intellectual divide between the ancients and the moderns remains relevant.
He is a modern, deeply invested in the discourse of the present.
The moderns sought to break free from the constraints of the past.
As a modern, she views tradition as a starting point, not a limit.
The moderns are defined by their skepticism of dogma.
He is a modern, perpetually oriented toward the horizon of the future.
The moderns champion the cause of scientific advancement.
She is a modern, constantly redefining her own identity.
The moderns, in their pursuit of the new, often inadvertently create their own traditions.
He is a modern, whose consciousness is shaped by the velocity of the information age.
The moderns represent a shift in the human relationship with time itself.
She is a modern, embodying the tension between historical continuity and radical innovation.
The moderns are the architects of the contemporary zeitgeist.
To be a modern is to inhabit the 'now' with full awareness of its transience.
The moderns challenge the static nature of classical thought.
He is a modern, finding beauty in the ephemeral nature of current trends.
類義語
反対語
よく使う組み合わせ
Idioms & Expressions
"keep up with the times"
staying modern
She tries to keep up with the times.
neutral"ahead of the curve"
more modern than others
He is always ahead of the curve.
neutral"cutting edge"
the most modern
This is cutting edge technology.
neutral"state of the art"
the most modern version
The lab is state of the art.
formal"move with the times"
accepting change
You have to move with the times.
neutral"new school"
the modern way
That approach is very new school.
casualEasily Confused
Both mean 'now'.
Contemporary is more about the same time period; modern is about style/mindset.
Modern art vs. Contemporary art.
Both imply freshness.
New is about age; modern is about a way of life.
A new car vs. A modern lifestyle.
Both relate to now.
Current means 'happening right now'; modern is a broader era.
Current events vs. The modern era.
Both imply progress.
Advanced means high level; modern means of this age.
Advanced technology vs. Modern design.
Sentence Patterns
He is a [adj] modern.
He is a true modern.
The moderns [verb]...
The moderns prefer change.
As a modern, [subject] [verb]...
As a modern, she loves tech.
To be a modern is to [verb]...
To be a modern is to adapt.
The clash between [noun] and the moderns...
The clash between tradition and the moderns.
語族
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
関連
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
よくある間違い
Modern is an adjective or noun, not a verb.
Current just means happening now.
Moderns is usually a group label.
Something from 1950 can be modern.
The stress is on the first syllable.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a person standing in a modern glass house.
When Native Speakers Use It
They use it to contrast with 'traditional'.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the Western value of progress.
Grammar Shortcut
Use 'the' before 'moderns' when talking about a group.
Say It Right
Focus on the first syllable.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't use it as a verb.
Did You Know?
It comes from Latin 'modo' meaning 'just now'.
Study Smart
Read articles about 'modernism' to see it in action.
Rhyme Time
Think of 'pattern' to get the rhythm.
Context Check
If you mean 'new', use the adjective 'modern'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
MODern = MODe (style) + ern (now).
Visual Association
A person holding a smartphone in one hand and a tablet in the other.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Describe a 'modern' person you know in three sentences.
語源
Latin
Original meaning: just now
文化的な背景
Can sometimes be used to imply someone is 'too' progressive, depending on tone.
Used to describe people who value efficiency, technology, and progressive social views.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- modern workplace
- modern approach
- modern tools
in art class
- modernist movement
- modern style
- the moderns
in philosophy
- modern thought
- modern perspective
- the modern condition
in technology
- modern tech
- modern solutions
- modern design
Conversation Starters
"Do you consider yourself a modern?"
"What is the most modern thing you own?"
"Do you think it's better to be a modern or a traditionalist?"
"How has the world changed for the modern person?"
"Can you name a famous modern thinker?"
Journal Prompts
Describe what 'modern' means to you in your daily life.
Write about a time you had to change your ways to be more modern.
Compare your lifestyle to the lifestyle of someone from 100 years ago.
What is one thing you would never change, even if it isn't 'modern'?
よくある質問
8 問Yes, it can be a noun referring to a person.
Usually it is an adjective for things, but can be a noun for people.
The plural is 'moderns'.
It depends on your values; it's a choice.
It means 'of the current time', which is similar to new.
No, that is grammatically incorrect.
Yes, to describe modern practices.
MOD-ern.
自分をテスト
He is a ___ person.
Modern fits the context of new.
What does a modern like?
Moderns like new things.
A modern is someone who lives in the past.
A modern lives in the present.
Word
意味
Matches opposites.
Subject-verb-article-noun.
The ___ fought for new ideas.
Moderns is the noun form.
Which word is a synonym?
Progressive means forward-looking.
Modernity is the noun for the quality of being modern.
Correct noun form.
Word
意味
Synonym matching.
The moderns champion change.
スコア： /10
Summary
A modern is a person who lives in the present and embraces the ideas of today.
- A modern is a person who embraces current times.
- It comes from the Latin word 'modo'.
- It is often contrasted with 'traditionalist'.
- It is a countable noun.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a person standing in a modern glass house.
When Native Speakers Use It
They use it to contrast with 'traditional'.
Cultural Insight
It reflects the Western value of progress.
Grammar Shortcut
Use 'the' before 'moderns' when talking about a group.
例文
She is a true modern who loves using the latest technology.
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文脈で学ぶ
Descriptionsの関連語
short
A1Describes something that measures a small distance from one end to the other or is not tall in height. It is also used to describe a brief period of time or a limited amount of something.
rapid
A1これは単語の使い方が間違っているようです。「Rapid」は速いを意味する形容詞です。もしかして「rapid」のことでしたか？
low
A1Not high or tall in height, often positioned close to the ground or a base level. It can also describe a small amount of something, a quiet sound, or a sad mood.
narrow
A1Narrow describes something that has a very small distance from one side to the other. It is the opposite of wide and is often used to describe roads, paths, or spaces.
thick
A1Describes something that has a large distance between its two opposite sides or surfaces. It can also describe liquids that are dense and do not flow easily, or things that grow closely together like hair or forest trees.
full
A1The complete amount or the state of being total without any parts missing. It is most frequently used in fixed phrases like 'in full' to describe a payment or a name that is complete.
gray
A1A neutral color that is a mixture of black and white, often seen in clouds, ash, or lead. It is used to describe objects that lack bright color or to represent a sense of seriousness and neutrality.
purple
A1Purple is a color that is made by mixing red and blue together. It is a common color found in nature, such as in certain flowers and fruits like grapes.
tiny
A1Describes something that is very small in size, amount, or degree. It is more emphatic than the word 'small' and is often used to highlight how little something is.
perfect
A1文法では、完了した動作を表す時制のことだよ。また、「練習が完璧を作る」というフレーズのように、ミスがない理想的な状態を指すときにも使われるね。
