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to modernize

to modernize

51 4.0
To make something more up to date using new tools or ideas
  • verb
  • /ˈmɒdərnaɪz/
translation icon : modernizar
  • The city council voted to modernize the public transportation system by introducing electric buses.
  • modernize society
  • modernize the economy
  • modernize the industry

Now, the first step was to modernise their economy.

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Examples

  • Energy intensity peaked in the late 1950s when China tried to modernize its economy by boosting heavy industry.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Education was a high priority in 1971, and modernizing the curriculum was the highest of priorities.

    Academic text (1999)
  • Well, all Ed did was like kind of modernize the existing focused design.

  • You need to modernize, get some sort of cash flow going.

  • So we're trying to to to improve and modernize how we tackle these problems.

  • Now, the first step was to modernise their economy.

  • So tell me, why don't you want to modernize the plant now?

  • Staff training will also be necessary to prepare the workforce for delivering a modernized service.

    Academic text (2011)
  • To achieve Kenneth's vision of the future, we must continue to modernize, but not just for the sake of modernization.

  • What happened was Salinas was a Harvard educated economist, came in to modernize Mexico, and he wanted to privatize things.

Synonyms

to update
vsto modernize
451 2.8

Make something more modern by adding new information or changes

focuses on adding new technology or ideas to reach an up to date state
to enhance
vsto modernize
424 4.0

Make something better or more attractive

specifically stresses bringing things up to date using new ideas or technology
to upgrade
vsto modernize
177 3.5

To make something newer or better, for example a phone

aims at making things up to date using new ideas or technology beyond simple improvements
to revamp
vsto modernize
41 4.9

To change something to make it look or work better

focuses on aligning with current technology and ideas not only repairs
to overhaul
vsto modernize
35 4.6

To check and fix or change something completely to make it work better

leans more toward style and new methods rather than only technical fixes
to retrofit
vsto modernize
12 6.5

To add new parts or equipment to something old to make it work better

covers broader up to date work not only attaching new components to old items
to contemporize
vsto modernize
  • US
1 7.4

Change an older work, idea, or event so it feels modern and important today

stresses practical updating and technological changes rather than only style
to technologize
vsto modernize
  • US
7.4

To add modern technology to something so it uses new tools

includes non technological updates and style changes beyond tools
to futurize
vsto modernize
  • US
7.7

To make something look modern and like it is from the future

aims for general updating and practical improvements not only futuristic style

Antonyms

To make something old and no longer useful

How Modern

to transform
523 3.4
to revamp
41 4.9
to modernize
51 4.0
to update
451 2.8
to touch up
8 3.8

Surface Forms

modernize infinitive
modernised past
modernized past
modernised past participle
modernized past participle
modernizing present participle
modernises third person singular
modernizes third person singular

Morphology

modernize = modern (transparent) = modern + ize

A productive and regular verb formation from the adjective 'modern' using the suffix '-ize' meaning 'to make modern'.

Etymology

The word modernize comes from modern, which comes from the old Latin word modo meaning 'just now', and the ending -ize which means 'to make'. So, to modernize is to make something like the present time or to bring it up to date.