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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Modern

Mōd'ern, a.

adjective

a. [Lat. modernus, from modo, just now; It. & Sp. moderno, Fr. moderne.]

Sense 1. Pertaining to the present time, or time not long past; late; not ancient or remote in past time; of recent period; as, modern days, ages, or time; modern authors; modern fashions; modern taste; modern practice.

Sense 2. New and common; not having the dignity or gravity of what is of long standing; trite; vulgar. [Obs.]

We have our philosophical persons to make modern and familiar things supernatural and causeless. Shak.

Synonyms—Recent; new; novel; late.—MODERN, RECENT. Modern is opposed to ancient; recent, to what has been past for no considerable length of time; as, modern civilization, improvements, &c.; recent advices, intelligence, &c.

Shall he among the ancients rise to fame, Or sink with moderns to contempt and shame? Francis.

Or should menace with his spear Amphitriton recent from the nether sphere. Lewis.

Mōd’ern, n.

noun

n. A person of modern times; — opposed to ancient.

☞ The moderns are those of modern nations, or of nations which arose out of the ruins of the empires of Greece and Rome, the people of which are called the ancients. Smart.