Modernity refers to the quality of being modernrelating to the present time rather than the past or up to date. It is often used when something feels currenthappening now; in use or fashion at this time, new, or part of the presentexisting or happening at this time age.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˌmɑdərˈnɪti/
Easy pronunciation: mah-dər-NIH-tee (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the third syllable, with secondary stress at the start.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Modernity Meaning
the state of being modern or up to date
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the quality of being current or of the present
Example: The new design gives the old building a touch of modernity.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- contemporaneity — A formal synonym for being of the present time.
- contemporaneousness — A formal synonym meaning existing at the same time or in the present era.
- modernness — A direct synonym for being modern, though less common.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Modernity
Meaning 2
the look or feel of being modern
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the style, character, or quality associated with modern life or modern design
Example: The room was updated with glass, steel, and a sense of modernity.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- modernism — Can fit this sense when it means a modern style or artistic character, but it is often used for an art movement and is not always a direct substitute.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Modernity Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- contemporaneity
- contemporaneousness
- modernness
modern style or character
- modernism
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not confuse modernity with modernism. Modernity usually means being modern or current, while modernism often refers to a style, movement, or artistic approach.
- Modernity is a noun, so it does not work like the adjective modern.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does modernity mean?
Modernity means the quality of being modern, current, or of the present time.
What are synonyms for modernity?
Good synonyms include contemporaneity, contemporaneousness, and modernness. Modernism can fit only in some style-related uses.
Is modernity the same as modernism?
Not exactly. Modernity usually means being current or modern, while modernism is more often about a style, movement, or artistic philosophy.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.