modernize

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

modernize — 動詞

  • 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.動詞及物B2
釋義

翻新；改造

將舊有事物更新為現代樣式

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

例句

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

醫院董事會決定翻新兒童病房，添購新設備。

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

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

Lara 改造了家中廚房，安裝了電磁爐和智慧照明。

collocation: modernize + [kitchen / room]

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • preserve

    keeping something in its original state instead of modernising it

文法句型

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

用法筆記

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

常見錯誤

❌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.動詞不及物B2
釋義

現代化

採用現代設備或方法

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

例句

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

這個小鎮在鐵路帶來新的貿易和旅客後，逐步現代化了。

intransitive: subject (town) modernizes without an object

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

為了吸引年輕客人，這家旅館需要在保有魅力的同時進行現代化。

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • stagnate

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

文法句型

subject + modernize

subject + modernize + by + gerund phrase

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.