WordGarden.iomodal
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈəʊdəl/
US
- /ˈmoʊdəl/
Meanings
Noun
a software dialog or window that must be dismissed before you can continue
a modal verb such as can, might, or must
a soft semisynthetic cellulose fiber or fabric used in clothing
Adjective
describing a software dialog or interface state that blocks interaction until closed
relating to modal verbs or grammatical modality
relating to mode or modality in specialist fields such as logic or music
Beyond the definition
The word "modal" often appears when we talk about possibility and necessity, especially in grammar and logic. It points to what could, might, must, or should happen, not just to a plain fact. More broadly, it can also mean "related to a mode," or a particular type, form, or way something works.
You might hear about "modal verbs" in grammar class, such as can, could, may, might, must, and should. These verbs express ability, possibility, permission, or duty. The word is also used in music for scales built on different modes, and in statistics in phrases like "modal value," meaning the value that appears most often. So in many fields, "modal" is tied either to possibility and necessity or to a particular form or pattern.
"Modal" is a flexible word used in grammar, logic, music, statistics, and other fields. At its base, it means "related to a mode" or a particular way, form, or type. In many important uses, it also has a special sense connected to possibility, necessity, permission, or obligation.
In grammar, "modal" most often appears in the phrase "modal verb." These are helping verbs such as can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would. They add ideas like ability, possibility, permission, advice, or duty. For example, "I might go" leaves room for uncertainty, while "You must leave now" expresses necessity.
In logic and philosophy, "modal" describes statements about possibility and necessity. "It is possible that the plan will work" and "It must be true that a square has four sides" are modal statements because they do more than report facts; they show how those facts are being presented.
Beyond philosophy, "modal" appears in several other contexts:
- Music: In music theory, it refers to music based on modes, which are scale patterns with their own sound and mood.
- Statistics: "Modal value" means the value that occurs most often in a set of data.
- General meaning: In some formal writing, it can simply mean "relating to a mode, form, or type."
So, "modal" usually tells you one of two things: either something is about possibility and necessity, or it is connected to a particular mode or form. The exact meaning depends on the subject, but the idea of a special kind of way, pattern, or level of certainty stays at the center.
Examples
- 1
Grammar lesson
We spent today's lesson on modal verbs such as must, should, and might.
- 2
Grammar rule
In standard English, you usually can't put two modals together in one clause.
- Domainin grammar, a modal
a modal verb, such as can or will
- 3
User interface
When you click "Delete account," a warning modal appears over the page.
- Domain
in apps and websites, a modal is a small window that opens on top of the main screen
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- modalnounadjective
Forms
- modalspluralnounadjective