What does modernness mean?
Modernness is a formal noun meaning the quality or condition of being modern. It refers especially to the use of contemporary ideas, technologies, artistic styles, or social attitudes, but it can also describe the broader character of the present age. Writers often use it when contrasting modern life with tradition, history, or older cultural forms. The word can suggest progress and openness to change, although it may also carry a critical or ironic implication that something is merely fashionable or up-to-date rather than genuinely valuable. Modernness is closely related to modernity, but it more directly emphasizes a quality or atmosphere, whereas modernity can also name a historical period or condition. It is useful in discussions of art, architecture, technology, social change, and cultural identity.
nounThe quality or state of being modern, especially in relation to contemporary ideas, styles, technology, or social conditions. It can also refer broadly to the character of the present age.
- The quality or state of being modern, especially in relation to contemporary ideas, styles, technology, or social conditions.
"The exhibition explores the tension between cultural heritage and modernness."
"The building's clean lines reflect a deliberate celebration of modernness."
"Her novel considers whether technological progress necessarily brings greater modernness or moral progress."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; modernness is usually used as an uncountable abstract noun.
"These sculptures express contrasting approaches to modernness."
Modernness turns a label for the present into a quality we can celebrate, question, or even reject.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does modernness come from?
Modernness was formed in English by combining modern with the noun-forming suffix -ness, which creates a word denoting a state or quality. Modern comes through French moderne from Latin modernus, a term associated with recent or present-day things. The related English words modernity, modernism, and modernization developed from the same modern root.
How modernness is actually used
Modernness is primarily a formal and abstract noun. It is often used in cultural, artistic, philosophical, or social criticism, where it may be approving, neutral, or subtly ironic.
Easily confused with modernness
Modernness usually focuses on the quality of being modern, while modernity often denotes the broader condition or historical period associated with modern life.
Modernism names a movement, style, or outlook associated with modern approaches, whereas modernness is an abstract quality rather than a specific movement.