Modern
/ˈmɒd.ən/noun
Relating to the present or recent times, or characterized by contemporary styles, ideas, or methods.
Did you know?Modern comes through French from Latin *modernus*, a late Roman word likely formed from *modo* (“just now”), so its core idea is literally “of the present moment.”
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
modernus
“of the present time; recent”
Classical Latin
Latin
modo
“just now; only; presently”
5th–6th Century
Latin
modernus
“a new or present-day thing, contrasted with the ancient”
Middle French
Old French
moderne
“modern; current; of recent times”
Late 16th Century
English
modern
“of the present age; not ancient”
Modern English
English
modern
“belonging to the present or recent period”