moderno
Lemma Details
Translation: modern; contemporary; current; up-to-date
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Late Latin 'modernus', derived from Latin 'modo' meaning 'just now, recently'. The English cognate 'modern' shares the same Latin root. The concept emerged in the late Middle Ages to distinguish the present from ancient times. The term gained prominence during the Renaissance as Europeans began to see themselves as distinct from classical antiquity.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 95%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Prefiero los métodos modernos de enseñanza.
I prefer modern teaching methods.
Me gusta el arte moderno.
I like modern art.
Viven en un apartamento moderno en el centro de la ciudad.
They live in a modern apartment in the city center.
La tecnología moderna ha cambiado nuestra forma de comunicarnos.
Modern technology has changed the way we communicate.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'mode' in English, which relates to current trends - 'moderno' describes what's in mode now.
- Remember that 'modern' in English and 'moderno' in Spanish are almost identical in both spelling and meaning.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'moderno' often carries positive connotations of progress and innovation. In art and literature, 'modernismo' was a significant Latin American literary movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pioneered by Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío. The term is widely used in discussions about architecture, technology, and social change.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Moderno' means 'modern' or 'contemporary', while 'moderado' means 'moderate' or 'temperate'.
Notes: Both words share the same Latin root 'modus' (measure), but evolved to have different meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Moderno' ends with 'no' - 'no' to old things; 'moderado' contains 'era' - suggesting a middle era or middle ground.