MODERNIZE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does modernize mean? 

• MODERNIZE (verb)
  The verb MODERNIZE has 2 senses:

1. make repairs, renovations, revisions or adjustments to

2. become technologically advanced

  Familiarity information: MODERNIZE used as a verb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MODERNIZE (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they modernize    ... he / she / it modernizes   
Past simple: modernized   
Past participle: modernized   
-ing form: modernizing   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Make repairs, renovations, revisions or adjustments to

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

modernise; modernize; overhaul

Context example:

overhaul the health care system

Hypernyms (to "modernize" is one way to...):

regenerate; renew (reestablish on a new, usually improved, basis or make new or like new)

"Modernize" entails doing...:

bushel; doctor; fix; furbish up; mend; repair; restore; touch on (restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "modernize"):

retrofit (substitute new or modernized parts or equipment for older ones)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Sense 2

Meaning:

Become technologically advanced

Classified under:

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc.

Synonyms:

develop; modernise; modernize

Context example:

Viet Nam is modernizing rapidly

Hypernyms (to "modernize" is one way to...):

change (undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature)

Verb group:

build up; develop (change the use of and make available or usable)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s somebody

Derivation:

modernization (making modern in appearance or behavior)

 Context examples 

It aspires to being a modernized fairy tale, in which the wonderment and joy are retained and the heartaches and nightmares are left out.

(The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum)

To modernize its military, in 2018, Hungary licensed Czech firearm technology and started assembling firearms in Kiskunfélegyháza, then agreed with Airbus to open a helicopter parts factory as a joint venture in Gyula.

(Hungarian state-owned enterprise acquires Hirtenberger Defence Group, Wikinews)