modernity
C1Formal, Academic, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
The state or condition of being modern; the quality of being contemporary or up-to-date.
A historical period and cultural condition characterized by significant societal, technological, and ideological changes, typically including industrialization, urbanization, secularization, individualism, and rational thought, spanning roughly from the late 15th to the late 20th century. In philosophy and critical theory, it often refers to the social, political, and economic order emerging from the Enlightenment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used abstractly to discuss broad cultural, artistic, or philosophical movements. Contrasts with 'tradition' or 'postmodernity'. Can carry positive (progress, innovation) or negative (alienation, rootlessness) connotations depending on context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is highly consistent across both varieties. Slight preference in British English for 'modernity' in historical/cultural discussions, whereas American English may use it more frequently in sociological contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, can imply a break from the past. In critical discourse, sometimes carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation of an era defined by its faith in progress, reason, and universal narratives.
Frequency
More common in academic and intellectual writing than in everyday speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the modernity of [NP]modernity as [NP]modernity and its [NP]from tradition to modernityVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the shock of the new (related concept)”
- “on the cutting edge”
- “ahead of its time”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts discussing innovation or industry trends: 'The company struggled with the modernity of its supply chain.'
Academic
Very common in history, sociology, philosophy, cultural studies. Used to denote a specific period and its characteristics.
Everyday
Uncommon. If used, it's often in a vague sense: 'I love the modernity of this new kitchen.'
Technical
Used in specific disciplines (e.g., sociology: 'liquid modernity'; architecture: 'the aesthetics of modernity').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A - 'modernity' is a noun.
American English
- N/A - 'modernity' is a noun.
adverb
British English
- N/A - the related adverb is 'modernly' (rare).
American English
- N/A - the related adverb is 'modernly' (rare).
adjective
British English
- N/A - the related adjective is 'modern'.
American English
- N/A - the related adjective is 'modern'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The city is a symbol of modernity with its tall buildings.
- Many people moved from villages to cities during the early period of modernity.
- The artist's work reflects the tension between tradition and modernity.
- Philosophers argue that the project of modernity was founded on principles of rationality and individual autonomy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MODERN-ITY. It's the 'state of being modern'. Connect it to famous 'modern' art or buildings you know.
Conceptual Metaphor
MODERNITY IS A MACHINE (efficient, rational, impersonal); MODERNITY IS A JOURNEY (progress, moving forward from a past point).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'современность' (which can mean 'contemporariness' or 'the present day'). 'Модерность' is a direct loanword used in academia. В бытовой речи чаще 'современный мир' или 'новая эпоха'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'modernity' to mean simply 'a modern thing' (e.g., 'This phone is a modernity'). It's an abstract, uncountable noun.
- Confusing 'modernity' (the condition/era) with 'modernization' (the process of becoming modern).
- Spelling: 'mordernity', 'moderinity'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is most closely associated with the concept of 'modernity' in sociology?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Being modern' is a general state. 'Modernity' is the collective condition, era, or quality defined by being modern, especially as a historical period with specific social, cultural, and technological traits.
There is debate, but common starting points include the Renaissance (15th-16th centuries), the Age of Enlightenment (18th century), or the Industrial Revolution (late 18th century).
In many academic frameworks, the period following modernity is called 'postmodernity', which is characterized by skepticism towards grand narratives, ideologies, and the ideals of progress and reason that defined modernity.
It's quite a formal, academic word. In everyday talk, you'd more likely say 'modern times', 'the modern world', or 'today's world' instead.
Collections
Part of a collection
Cultural Topics
B2 · 47 words · Analyzing culture, society and identity.
Social Theory
C1 · 47 words · Advanced vocabulary for sociology and social science.
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