Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To adapt or update something to contemporary standards, methods, or technologies; to make something modern.
   • To renovate or revise something to bring it into line with current ideas, styles, or systems.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become modern; to adopt modern ways, techniques, or technologies.

Usage and Examples

• Transitive verb (to make something modern):
  • The company plans to modernise its factory with new automated machinery.
  • The government allocated funds to modernise the public transportation system.
• Intransitive verb (to become modern):
  • As the economy grows, the country continues to modernise rapidly.
  • The industry had to modernise to remain competitive in the global market.

Advanced Usage

• "to modernise something along the lines of...": To update something following a particular model or principle.
  • They aim to modernise the curriculum along the lines of more interactive, student-centered learning.
• In economic or developmental contexts, "modernise" often implies a broad societal shift towards industrialization, technological adoption, and contemporary social structures.

Variants and Related Words

• Modernisation (noun, chiefly British English): The process of modernising.
  • The modernisation of the infrastructure is a key government project.
• Moderniser (noun): A person who advocates for or implements modernisation.
  • He was seen as a moderniser within the traditional political party.
• Modern (adjective): Relating to the present or recent times; characterized by contemporary ideas or styles.
• Modernize (verb): The standard spelling in American English. The meaning is identical to "modernise".

Synonyms

• Update: To make something more modern or current.
• Renovate: To restore to a good state of repair; to modernize by repairing or remodeling.
• Revamp: To give new and improved form, structure, or appearance to.
• Overhaul: To examine thoroughly and make necessary repairs or changes.

Antonyms

• Antiquate: To make old or obsolete.
• Outdate: To cause to become out-of-date.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Modernise" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. The action is typically expressed directly or with prepositions like "to modernise for [a purpose]"). - To bring something up to date: A common phrase with a similar meaning to "modernise". - We need to bring our security protocols up to date.

Related Idioms

(Note: There are no common idioms centered specifically on the word "modernise". The concept is usually expressed directly.)

Verb

1. make repairs, renovations, revisions or adjustments to
   • You should overhaul your car engine
   • overhaul the health care system
2. become technologically advanced
   • Many countries in Asia are now developing at a very fast pace
   • Viet Nam is modernizing rapidly