Meaning & use
modernly
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Meanings
adverb
In a way that belongs to or reflects the present time and current styles.
Grammar: Modifies a verb or a whole clause: The building is modernly designed.
Patterns
- modernly designed
- modernly equipped
- modernly styled
The old school has been modernly equipped with digital whiteboards.
Her apartment is modernly furnished but still feels warm.
The clinic is modernly designed, with wide windows and bright rooms.
adverb
In a manner that uses the newest methods, ideas, or technology.
Grammar: Often comes before a past participle used as an adjective, as in 'modernly trained staff'.
Patterns
- modernly trained
- modernly managed
- modernly produced
The farm is modernly managed, with sensors checking every field.
Staff are modernly trained in the latest safety procedures.
The factory was modernly rebuilt after the fire.
Common combinations
- modernly designed
- The new library is modernly designed with glass walls.
- modernly equipped
- Every classroom here is modernly equipped.
- modernly furnished
- They rented a modernly furnished flat near the station.
- modernly managed
- The company is modernly managed and quick to change.
- modernly styled
- She wore a modernly styled jacket to the interview.
Synonyms and how they differ
- contemporarily
- Also a rare adverb; it stresses belonging to the same period as something else rather than being up to date.
- stylishly
- Focuses on good, fashionable appearance, while 'modernly' only says the style is current, not that it is attractive.
Opposites
Word family
- modern adjective
- Belonging to the present time or using the newest ideas.
- modernity noun
- The state or quality of being modern.
- modernize verb
- To change something so it uses newer methods or equipment.
- modernization noun
- The process of making something more modern.
- modernism noun
- A style in art, music, or building that broke with older traditions.
Commonly confused: modernly or recently? modernly or modern?
modernly vs recently
'Recently' means 'a short time ago' and answers 'when?'. 'Modernly' answers 'in what style?' and never means 'lately'.
modernly vs modern
'Modern' is the adjective and is far more common; use it after a linking verb ('the design is modern'), not where an adverb is needed.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'modernly' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Modernly' describes the style of the renovation, so it fits before the participle 'renovated'. Option 1 wrongly uses it to mean 'recently', option 2 wrongly uses it as a comparative, and option 3 wrongly uses it to describe when someone arrived.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “modernly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.