Mode Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🎶
Add to dictionary

mode

[məʊd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in fashion

A way or manner in which something occurs or is experienced, expressed, or done. A particular form or type of something.

Synonyms

manner, means, method, way.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mode

This is often used to describe a particular form or type of something, especially in technical or scientific contexts.

  • Please set the machine to 'sleep' mode.
  • The game has a single-player mode.
method

Emphasizes a systematic or organized approach to doing something, often implying steps or procedures.

  • Scientific method is crucial in experiments.
  • She has an efficient method for organizing her tasks.
way

A general term for any manner, mode, or means of performing something. It is often used in everyday language.

  • Is there a way to contact you?
  • He always finds a way to make people laugh.
means

Refers to the method or instrument used to achieve something. It can also imply financial resources or tools.

  • They needed to find means to solve the issue.
  • The company uses various means of communication.
manner

Used to refer to a way in which something is done or happens, often related to behavior or style.

  • She spoke to the audience in a calm manner.
  • His manner of addressing the crowd was very respectful.

Examples of usage

  • The mode of transportation in this city is mainly by subway.
  • The company is looking for a new mode of communication with its customers.
Context #2 | Noun

music

A type or form of music, such as a major or minor mode in Western music.

Synonyms

key, scale, tonality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mode

Use this when discussing different systems or patterns in music and other fields, usually indicating a set of rules or a method of doing something.

  • The Lydian mode is often used in jazz compositions.
  • Switching to a different mode can help solve the problem.
scale

Ideal for describing a series of notes ordered by pitch or when referring to the relative size or extent of something.

  • She practiced her scales for the upcoming piano exam.
  • The project was successful on a large scale.
key

This is suitable when talking about the tonal center in music, or in a more general sense, something crucial or important.

  • The song is in the key of C major.
  • Understanding the basics is key to mastering any skill.
tonality

Best used when referring to the character or quality of a musical composition defined by its key, or figuratively, the character or style of something.

  • The tonality of the piece is quite melancholic.
  • The brightness of the room changed the tonality of her paintings.

Examples of usage

  • The composer used the Dorian mode in this piece.
  • The piece was written in a mixolydian mode.
Context #3 | Noun

statistics

The value that appears most frequently in a set of data.

Synonyms

most common value.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mode

This word is typically used in statistical or mathematical contexts to refer to the value that appears most frequently in a data set.

  • When analyzing our survey results, we found that the mode of responses was 'agree.'
  • In this dataset, the mode is 7, as it appears more frequently than any other number.
most common value

This phrase is used in everyday language and discussions where the speaker wants to describe the value that appears most often without using technical or mathematical jargon.

  • Among the choices, blue is the most common value.
  • When looking at the preferences, the most common value seems to be vanilla ice cream.

Examples of usage

  • In this dataset, 7 is the mode as it appears most frequently.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In statistics, 'mode' refers to the most frequently occurring number in a set of data.
  • It's one of the measures of central tendency, along with mean and median, helping summarize data sets.
  • A data set can have more than one mode (multi-modal) or no mode at all, depending on the numbers involved.

Technology

  • In computing, 'mode' can indicate a setting or state in which a software application operates, like 'edit mode' or 'view mode'.
  • Different devices may have 'modes' that alter their function, such as cameras having 'night mode' for low light.
  • User interfaces often use modes to streamline tasks, letting users switch between various functionalities easily.

Psychology

  • In psychology, cognitive modes refer to different ways of thinking or processing information, impacting learning styles.
  • The concept of 'modes' can also relate to emotional states, such as being in a 'positive mode' or 'focus mode'.
  • Switching modes can help individuals adapt to different environments or challenges.

Culture

  • 'Mode' is often used in fashion to describe a prevailing style or trend within clothing and accessories.
  • In music, different 'modes' refer to scales that create specific atmospheres or emotions, influencing how a piece is perceived.
  • Art movements can be described as modes of expression, showcasing various styles and techniques throughout history.

Origin of 'mode'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'mode' comes from the Latin word 'modus', meaning 'measure' or 'manner'.
  • In ancient times, 'modus' referred to a particular way of doing something, which evolved into the modern usage we know today.
  • The word has been used in English since the 14th century, originally relating to music and rhythm.

The word 'mode' originated from the Latin word 'modus', meaning 'measure, manner, bound, quantity, melody'. It was first recorded in English in the 14th century. Over time, 'mode' has evolved to encompass various meanings across different fields such as fashion, music, and statistics.


See also: modest, modify, module, modulo.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,630, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.