modernity
muh-DER-nuh-tee
/mɒˈdɜːnəti/
The quality or condition of being modern, especially the socio-cultural period marked by industrialization, science, and rationalism.
Refers to an entire historical epoch and psychological mindset, not merely 'being up to date'.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin modernus, which came from the adverb modo meaning 'just now.' In the Late Middle Ages, modernus was used to distinguish contemporary Christian eras from ancient classical antiquity. In the 19th and 20th centuries, sociologists adopted 'modernity' to denote post-Enlightenment industrial civilization.
Word relationships
- modernism: 'Modernism' refers specifically to artistic and literary movements, whereas 'modernity' refers to the broader socio-historical era.
- traditionalism: 'Traditionalism' emphasizes adherence to past customs and hereditary social authority.
Commonly confused with
- modernism: 'Modernism' is an aesthetic movement in art/lit; 'modernity' is the historical condition of post-feudal society.
Word family
- modern (adjective): Relating to the present or recent times.
- modernize (verb): To adapt to modern needs or habits.
Collocations
- embrace modernity
- onset of modernity
- crisis of modernity
- liquid modernity
Example sentences
- "The rapid onset of modernity destabilized traditional rural communities throughout twentieth-century Europe." Sociological Essay
- "Sociologists often define modernity by its relentless pursuit of progress, scientific inquiry, and bureaucracy." Philosophical Analysis
Memory hook
MODE-ernity: Living in the present mode of science and industry. The epoch of science and industry.
When not to use
Do not use as a synonym for modern fashion or technological gadgets; it refers to macro-historical structures.
Fun facts
- Sociologist Zygmunt Bauman coined the term 'Liquid Modernity' to describe our current fluid, constantly changing phase of global capitalism.
Related words
Explore more words
modernization, modernize, industrial, industrialized, rationalism, postmodern
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