Definition

Noun: 1. The present period in history, especially the period from approximately the early 20th century to the current day, characterized by contemporary ideas, technologies, and social circumstances. This term contrasts with earlier historical periods like the Middle Ages or the Industrial Revolution.

Usage

The term "modern times" is used to discuss the characteristics, challenges, and innovations of the contemporary era. It often implies a focus on recent developments in technology, society, and culture. - It is typically used with prepositions like in or during. - It functions as a noun phrase and is often treated as a plural noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pace of life in modern times is much faster than in the past.
  • Many diseases that were fatal in previous centuries are now treatable in modern times.
  • Navigating social media is a common challenge of modern times.

Advanced Usage

• "the complexities of modern times": Used to describe the intricate problems or situations unique to the contemporary world.
  • Politicians must address the complexities of modern times, including cybersecurity and climate change.
• "a relic of modern times": An ironic phrase used to describe something that is considered outdated even within the contemporary period.
  • The floppy disk is now a relic of modern times.

Variants and Related Words

• Modernity (n): The quality or condition of being modern; the modern era or its defining characteristics.
  • The architecture reflects the sleekness of modernity.
• Modern era (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with "modern times," though it can have more specific historical periodization.
• Contemporary times (n): A very close synonym emphasizing the current, living period.

Synonyms

• The present age: The current period in history.
• The contemporary world: The world as it exists now.
• The current era: The ongoing period of time.

Related Phrases

• Sign of the times: An idiom meaning a typical feature of the current period.
  • The popularity of remote work is a real sign of the times.
• Child of his/her/our times: An idiom describing a person who is very much influenced by or representative of the era they live in.
  • As a digital native, she is a true child of our times.

Noun

1. the circumstances and ideas of the present age
   • in modern times like these