What does modernize mean?
Modernize means to bring something up to date by improving its design, technology, organization, or methods. The word is commonly applied to infrastructure, buildings, equipment, systems, institutions, and business practices: a government may modernize roads, while a school may modernize its computer laboratories. It can also describe a broader process of social or cultural change, as in a traditional industry modernizing its methods. Modernization does not necessarily mean discarding everything from the past; it usually means preserving the central purpose while replacing outdated features. The verb has a positive and progressive connotation, suggesting adaptability, improvement, and responsiveness to current conditions. Its related noun, modernization, names the process itself, while modernized can describe something that has undergone such an update. Although the word is used in both British and American English, the particular changes implied depend on the context rather than on a regional difference in meaning.
verbTo make something modern by updating its design, features, methods, or organization. It can also mean to change in accordance with modern ideas or practices.
- To update something so that it reflects current design, technology, standards, or practices.
- To change or develop in accordance with modern ideas or social conditions.
"The council approved a plan to modernize the city's outdated public transport system."
"The museum plans to modernize its exhibition spaces without altering the historic building."
"Many traditional retailers are modernizing their businesses by moving more of their services online."
To modernize is to preserve the purpose of something while replacing the means by which it is achieved.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of modernize
Modernize was formed in the 18th century from modern and the suffix -ize, meaning “to make” or “to bring into a specified form.” Modern came through French moderne from Latin modernus, an adjective associated with the present or recent period. The same Latin family underlies modernity, modernism, and modernist, all of which relate to modern life or modern artistic and cultural approaches.
Related word forms
How modernize is actually used
Modernize is widely used in British and American English in institutional, technological, and cultural contexts. It usually suggests a deliberate process of updating rather than a complete replacement, though the degree of change can vary considerably.
Easily confused with modernize
Modernize means to update something to a more modern form, whereas moderate means to keep something within reasonable limits or reduce its intensity.