- [only before noun]
of the present time or recent times 现代的；当代的；近代的 the modern industrial world 当今工业世界 the wonders of modern science 现代科学的奇迹 modern society 现代社会 In modern times, advances in technology have made the world smaller. 在现代，技术的进步使世界变小了。 They are modern day heroes, battling for change. 他们是现代英雄，为改变而战。 Modern European history 欧洲近代史 modern Greek 现代希腊语 Stress is a major problem of modern life. 压力是现代生活中的主要问题。 Shakespeare's language can be a problem for modern readers. 莎士比亚的语言对现代读者来说可能不易理解。 The modern era has witnessed great change. 现代发生了巨大的变化。 She studies the early modern period from the 15th to the 18th century. 她研究从15世纪到18世纪的早期现代时期。
Extra ExamplesTopics Historya1It was the largest strike in the history of modern societies. 这是现代社会历史上最大的一次罢工。 In modern times we have been bombarded with an array of diets. 在现代，我们已经被一系列的饮食轰炸。 Her intention was to draw parallels between ancient and modern concepts of punishment. 她的意图是将古代和现代的惩罚概念进行比较。
- [only before noun]
(of styles in art, music, fashion, etc. 艺术、音乐、时装等的风格 new and intended to be different from traditional styles 新式的；有别于传统的 The gallery has regular exhibitions of modern art. 该美术馆定期举办现代艺术展。 modern architecture/dance/drama/jazz 现代建筑/舞蹈/戏剧/爵士乐 modern American cinema 现代美国电影 modern and contemporary sculpture 现代和当代雕塑 The museum houses both ancient and modern art. 这座博物馆收藏了古代和现代艺术。
Extra ExamplesTopics Buildingsa1She is one of the great presences of the modern American cinema. 她是现代美国电影的杰出代表之一。 The Tugendhadt Villa is a key work in early modern architecture. 图根哈德别墅是早期现代建筑中的一个重要作品。 The new art fair shows modern and contemporary art from many of the world's best galleries. 新的艺术博览会展示了世界上许多最好的画廊的现代和当代艺术。
- (usually approving)
using the latest technology, designs, materials, ideas, etc. 现代化的；先进的；最新的 The company needs to invest in a modern computer system. 公司需要投资建立最新的计算机系统。 Modern methods of farming are destroying the countryside. 现代化的耕作方式正在破坏乡郊。 It is the most modern, well-equipped hospital in the country. 这是国内最先进、设备最精良的医院。 Today modern aircraft technology got me from Indianapolis to Boston in six hours. 今天，现代飞机技术让我在六个小时内从印第安纳波利斯到达波士顿。 The school is thoroughly modern in its approach. 这所学校的教学方法非常现代。
(of ways of behaving, thinking, etc. 行为、思想等的方式 new and not always accepted by most members of society 新式的，超前的（大部分公众不一定接受）
Word Originlate Middle English: from late Latin modernus, from Latin modo ‘just now’.