modernize

IPA/ˈmɒdənaɪz/
KK[mˈɑdɚnˌaɪz]IPA/ˈmɑːdərnaɪz/

modernize — verb

  • modernizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • modernizeshe / she / it
  • modernizedpast simple
  • modernizing-ing form

1. to change or update something — such as a building, system, or piece of equipmen

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to change or update something — such as a building, system, or piece of equipment — so that it reflects the styles and technology that people expect today

Example

The hospital board decided to modernize the children's wing with new equipment.

collocation: modernize + [wing / department of a building]

Lara modernized the family kitchen by installing an induction cooktop and smart lighting.

collocation: modernize + [kitchen / room]

Common collocations
  • modernize + building / factory / kitchen / classroom / hospital
  • modernize + system / equipment / website / production line
  • modernize + infrastructure / technology / facilities
Synonyms
  • update

    broader and less formal; can mean making small changes or adding new information rather than a thorough transformation

  • upgrade

    emphasises improving quality, performance, or capability rather than just updating the look

  • renovate

    focuses on repairing and restoring something to good condition, which may or may not make it look modern

Antonyms
  • preserve

    keeping something in its original state instead of modernising it

Grammar Patterns

modernize + noun phrase (object is a building, system or piece of equipment)

Usage Note

Subject is usually a person, organisation, or institution. The object is typically a physical building, a room, or a functional system — not a person.

Common Mistakes

We modernized the antique chair by painting it white.
We restored the antique chair, keeping its original finish.
'modernize' means to update to current style, not simply to change the appearance.

2. to change your own methods, equipment, or style so that you use current technolo

2.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to change your own methods, equipment, or style so that you use current technology or follow modern ways of doing things — used without an object, describing a person, company, or country that updates itself

Example

The small town modernized after the railway brought new trade and visitors.

intransitive: subject (town) modernizes without an object

To attract younger customers, the hotel needs to modernize without losing its charm.

Common collocations
  • company / country / industry + modernize
  • modernize by + (updating / adopting / switching to / investing in) + noun phrase
  • need to / must / fail to + modernize
Synonyms
  • advance

    broader and more general; can mean progress in knowledge or quality, not just in technology or style

  • evolve

    suggests slower, more natural change over time rather than deliberate updating

Antonyms
  • stagnate

    to stop developing or making progress, remaining in an old state

Grammar Patterns

subject + modernize

subject + modernize + by + gerund phrase

Usage Note

Frequently used in business writing to describe a company or industry that updates its practices. Unlike sense 1, there is no direct object — the subject changes itself. A common pattern is 'modernize by + -ing' which explains the method of change.

Common Mistakes

The company modernized new technology.
The company modernized by adopting new technology.
when 'modernize' is intransitive (sense 2), it takes no direct object. Use 'by + -ing' to explain the method.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four verbs describe making changes to something, but they differ in scope and purpose. 'Update' is the most general — it can mean adding new information or making small changes ('update the address list'), and it does not necessarily change the physical appearance. 'Upgrade' focuses on raising quality, performance, or capability ('upgrade the computer's memory') rather than style. 'Renovate' means restoring something to good condition, often preserving its original character ('renovate a Victorian house'), while 'modernize' specifically brings it into line with current tastes and technology. 'Overhaul' is the most thorough: taking something apart and rebuilding it completely ('overhaul the transportation system'). For a building, you might renovate the original woodwork but modernize the heating system.

update ↗upgrade ↗renovate ↗overhaul ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Prepositions

  • by (+ gerund)
  • from ... to
  • into

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Coined in English around the 1740s from 'modern' (which comes from Latin 'modernus', meaning 'of the present time', itself from 'modo' meaning 'just now') combined with the verb suffix '-ize', which turns an adjective into a verb meaning 'to make or become'. The word gained wide use during the Industrial Revolution as factories and cities underwent rapid technological change.

First known use

1716

1716, in the meaning defined at transitive sense