mode
UK /məʊd/ · US /moʊd/ noun
Forms modes
- noun A particular means of accomplishing something. “What was the mode of entry?”
- noun (especially engineering) A state related to signals or vibrations. “common-mode”
- noun (electromagnetism) A wave pattern in the electromagnetic field. “longitudinal mode”
- noun (computing) One of various related sets of rules for processing data; more generally, any state of the system associated with certain behaviours. “In insert mode, characters typed are directly inserted into the buffer.”
- noun (electronics) A series of settings on a device used for a specific purpose. “airplane mode; night mode”
- noun (video games) A variation in gameplay, such as a difficulty level.
- noun (grammar) A verb form that depends on how its containing clause relates to the speaker’s or writer’s wish, intent, or assertion about reality.
- noun (philosophy) That which exists only as a quality of substance.
- noun Style or fashion; popular trend. “Her wardrobe is always in mode.”
Synonyms
mood grammatical mood manner style way fashion modality musical mode modal value
Etymology
From Old French mode (masculine), from Latin modus (“measure, due measure, rhythm, melody”). Doublet of modus.
From French mode f (“fashion, trend”).
Webster’s 1913
- noun Manner of doing or being; method; form; fashion; custom; way; style; as, the mode of speaking; the mode of dressing.
- noun Prevailing popular custom; fashion, especially in the phrase the mode.
Etymology [L. modus a measure, due or proper measure, bound, manner, form; akin to E. mete: cf. F. mode. See Mete, and cf. Commodious, Mood in grammar, Modus.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “mode”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details