Is modern the same as new?

Not exactly. Modern often means current or not traditional, but something modern may not be brand-new.

What is the difference between modern and contemporary?

Modern usually means current or updated. Contemporary often means happening in the same time period, or today.

Is modern formal or informal?

It is neutral. You can use it in everyday speech, business writing, and academic writing.

← Dictionary

modern

/ˈmɒd.ən/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Of the present time or the recent past. Modern things are new, current, or not old-fashioned.

This office has a modern design.
Modern medicine saves many lives.
Her ideas seem very modern.

noun

A person or thing from the modern period, especially in history or art.

The museum has works by moderns.
He studies the moderns in literature.
Some moderns prefer simpler styles.

Adinary Nuance

Modern is close to new, contemporary, and current, but it does not mean “brand-new.” It often means “typical of the present time” or “not traditional.” Use contemporary when you mean “from the same time period,” and new when you mean “recently made or added.”

In other languages

Vietnamese: hiện đại
Spanish: moderno
Chinese: 现代
Japanese: 現代の
Korean: 현대의

Etymology

Modern comes from Late Latin modernus, from modo, meaning 'just now'. It entered English through French in the late Middle Ages.

Common phrases

modern lifemodern worldmodern technologymodern art

Synonyms

contemporary current new up-to-date

Frequently asked questions

Is modern the same as new?: Not exactly. Modern often means current or not traditional, but something modern may not be brand-new.
What is the difference between modern and contemporary?: Modern usually means current or updated. Contemporary often means happening in the same time period, or today.
Is modern formal or informal?: It is neutral. You can use it in everyday speech, business writing, and academic writing.