Modus
/ˈmoʊ.dəs/noun
A way, method, or standard; in grammar and music, a mode or pattern.
Did you know?Latin modus is the root behind English words like mode, modern, and even modest, all tied to the ancient idea of measure, limit, and proper proportion.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*med-
“To measure, advise, or take appropriate action.”
Latin
Latin
modus
“Measure, limit, manner, way, or proper proportion.”
Late Latin
Latin
modus
“A musical mode, grammatical form, or regulated pattern.”
Old French
Old French
mode
“Fashion, custom, manner, or style.”
Middle English
English
mode
“A manner, method, or form of expression.”
Modern English
English
modus
“Used mainly in learned phrases, especially modus operandi, meaning a method of operation.”