What does "mode" mean?
One of several common scales in modern Western music, one of which corresponds to the modern major scale and one to the natural minor scale.
Mode
/moʊd/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: One of several common scales in modern Western music, one of which corresponds to the modern major scale and one to the natural minor scale.
- Grammar: mode is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: aeolian mode, aesthetic form, affectation, algorithm.
- Useful contrasts: least frequent value, average force reading, med.
- Usage evidence: The author's mode of expression is very concise.
How to use "mode"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "mode" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "mode" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "mode" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "mode" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "mode" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "aeolian mode" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "mode", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 One of several common scales in modern Western music, one of which corresponds to the modern major scale and one to the natural minor scale.
- 2 Style or fashion; popular trend.
"Her wardrobe is always in mode."
- 3 how something is done or how it happens wordnet
- 4 One of several common scales in modern Western music, one of which corresponds to the modern major scale and one to the natural minor scale.; One of several ancient Greek scales.
- 5 the most frequent value of a random variable wordnet
Show 16 more definitions
- 6 A particular means of accomplishing something.
"What was the mode of entry?"
- 7 any of various fixed orders of the various diatonic notes within an octave wordnet
- 8 A particular means of accomplishing something.; A state of a system that is represented by an eigenfunction of that system.; A state related to signals or vibrations. especially
"common-mode"
- 9 verb inflections that express how the action or state is conceived by the speaker wordnet
- 10 A particular means of accomplishing something.; A state of a system that is represented by an eigenfunction of that system.; A wave pattern in the electromagnetic field.
"longitudinal mode"
- 11 a classification of propositions on the basis of whether they claim necessity or possibility or impossibility wordnet
- 12 A particular means of accomplishing something.; 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."
- 13 a particular functioning condition or arrangement wordnet
- 14 A particular means of accomplishing something.; A series of settings on a device used for a specific purpose.
"airplane mode; night mode"
- 15 A particular means of accomplishing something.; A variation in gameplay, such as a difficulty level.
"Campaign mode (the career mode that includes the notorious Gran Turismo driving school) is off limits while offline. Also unavailable offline: buying new cars, viewing your garage, editing car liveries, and even the "taking photos of fancy cars in exotic scenery" mode."
- 16 A particular means of accomplishing something.; A verb form that depends on how its containing clause relates to the speaker’s or writer’s wish, intent, or assertion about reality.
- 17 A particular means of accomplishing something.; That which exists only as a quality of substance.
- 18 A particular state of being, or frame of mind.
"After a series of early setbacks, her political campaign is in crisis mode."
- 19 The most frequently occurring value in a distribution.
- 20 In lace-making, a small decorative piece inserted into a pattern.; The openwork between the solid parts of a pattern.
- 21 In lace-making, a small decorative piece inserted into a pattern.; A woman's mantle with a hood. obsolete
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The author's mode of expression is very concise."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "mode"?
Common synonyms include: aeolian mode, aesthetic form, affectation, algorithm, approach, archetype.
How do you use "mode" in a sentence?
The author's mode of expression is very concise.
How do you pronounce "mode"?
Pronounced /moʊd/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Old French mode (masculine), from Latin modus (“measure, due measure, rhythm, melody”). Doublet of modus.
Etymology 2
From French mode f (“fashion, trend”).