multimodal

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Using or involving several different ways of doing something, such as several senses, media, or methods.

   Grammar: Usually before a noun: 'a multimodal approach'.

   Patterns

   • a multimodal approach
   • multimodal learning
   • multimodal transport

   The school uses a multimodal approach, combining text, audio, and video.

   Multimodal learning can help students who understand better through pictures.

   The city is investing in multimodal transport to reduce car use.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nountechnical

   In transport, involving more than one type of vehicle or method of travel.

   Grammar: Used before nouns like 'transport', 'network', or 'hub'.

   Patterns

   • multimodal transport
   • a multimodal network

   The new station is a multimodal hub for trains, buses, and bikes.

   Multimodal freight can move goods by ship, rail, and truck.

3. 3adjectivebefore a nounmedicaltechnical

   In medicine and biology, involving several different ways of testing, imaging, or treating a condition.

   Grammar: Used before nouns like 'imaging' or 'treatment'.

   Patterns

   • multimodal imaging
   • multimodal treatment

   Doctors used multimodal imaging to get a clearer picture.

   Multimodal treatment often combines medicine, therapy, and exercise.

Common combinations

a multimodal approach

Teachers take a multimodal approach to reach different learners.

multimodal transport

Multimodal transport makes it easier to move goods across borders.

multimodal learning

Multimodal learning mixes reading, listening, and doing.

multimodal communication

Multimodal communication includes gestures as well as speech.

multimodal imaging

The hospital invested in multimodal imaging equipment.

Synonyms and how they differ

mixed

A general word for combining different things; multimodal is more technical and suggests several distinct modes or methods.

multifaceted

Describes something with many sides or aspects; multimodal focuses on different ways or channels of doing something.

integrated

Emphasizes that parts work together as one system; multimodal simply means several modes are used.

Opposites

Word family

mode noun

A way or method of doing something; the base of multimodal.

modality noun

A particular way of doing or experiencing something, such as a sense or a medium.

multimodality noun

The use of several modes together, especially in communication or transport.

Commonly confused: multimodal or multimedia?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “multimodal”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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