mods: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal (modifications), Formal (academic), Specialised (gaming/tech), Historical (subculture).
Quick answer
What does “mods” mean?
The plural of 'mod', primarily referring to modifications or alterations made to a product, software, or game.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural of 'mod', primarily referring to modifications or alterations made to a product, software, or game.
In academic contexts (chiefly British), the preliminary examinations for a bachelor's degree at Oxford University. Also a subculture (from the 1960s) characterized by stylish, tailored fashion and scooters.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The academic sense ('university exams') is exclusively British. The gaming/tech sense is universal, but 'mods' may be more strongly associated with PC gaming (equally UK/US). The subcultural sense is historically British but understood internationally.
Connotations
UK: Strong historical/cultural resonance with 1960s youth culture. US: Primarily computational/technological connotations.
Frequency
In UK, frequency is split between tech and historical/cultural uses. In US, 'mods' is overwhelmingly used for modifications.
Grammar
How to Use “mods” in a Sentence
install + mods + for + [game]create + mods + to + [verb]study for + (one's) mods[game] + with + modsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mods” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He mods his games extensively.
- She's been modding her car for years.
American English
- He modded his PC for better cooling.
- They love to mod old video games.
adjective
British English
- The mod scene is still alive in some towns.
- A mod culture revival.
American English
- A mod-friendly game community.
- The modded server is popular.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tech/gaming industries discussing product customization.
Academic
In UK: 'He's revising for his Mods.' Refers to Oxford exams.
Everyday
Most common in gaming/tech contexts: 'I added some mods to my game.'
Technical
Widely used in software, gaming, and hardware communities for user-created content or alterations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mods”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mods”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mods”
- Using 'mods' as a singular noun (a mod is singular).
- Confusing the academic and gaming senses.
- Incorrect capitalisation: 'Mods' for exams is often capitalised.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In the sense of modifications, it is informal but standard in tech/gaming contexts. As an exam term (Oxford), it is formal and often capitalised.
No, 'mods' is strictly plural. The singular is 'mod' (a modification).
A 'patch' is typically an official update from developers to fix bugs. A 'mod' is usually an unofficial, user-created alteration that adds or changes content.
It follows the regular pluralisation rule for words ending in a voiced consonant sound (/d/), which requires the plural '-s' to be voiced as /z/.
The plural of 'mod', primarily referring to modifications or alterations made to a product, software, or game.
Mods: in British English it is pronounced /mɒdz/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɑːdz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Mods and Rockers (historical conflict)”
- “sit one's mods (take exams)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MODS = My Own Design Stuff / Modified Original Design Significantly.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENHANCEMENT IS A MODIFICATION (The base product is raw material to be improved).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'Mods' most likely refer to university examinations?