Modal - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
Relating to mode, form, or manner; expressing mood in grammar.
Synonyms:
formal, structural, grammatical, qualifying
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun
Antonyms:
informal, nonstandard
Common Collocations:
modal verb, modal logic, modal auxiliary
Derivatives:
modality, modally
Usage Tips:
Use "modal" to describe verbs like "can" or "must" that express necessity or possibility.
Common Phrases:
modal auxiliary, modal verb phrase, modal shift
Etymology:
From Latin "modalis," meaning "pertaining to mode," derived from "modus" (measure or manner).
Examples:
- 1. She used a modal verb in her sentence.
- 2. The artist chose a modal approach for the painting.
- 3. Can you identify the modal auxiliary here?
- 4. His argument relied on modal logic principles.