1 B2 informal
To renovate or redesign a physical space or object to give it a more contemporary look.
"They spent the summer moderni— modding up the old farmhouse with new fixtures and open-plan rooms."
separable
modern up
B2 informal separable transitive
To make something more contemporary or up-to-date in style, technology, or approach.
In plain English
Change something old so it looks or works like something new and modern.
What does "modern up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To update practices, methods, or systems to match current standards or expectations.
"The school decided to modern up its teaching methods by introducing more digital tools."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move upward into modernity — 'up' here functions as an intensifier suggesting completion or improvement.
Actually means
Change something old so it looks or works like something new and modern.
Usage tip
Relatively rare and informal; more common in British English. Often used in contexts of renovation, fashion, or business practices. Not widely established in dictionaries; may be treated as non-standard by some speakers.
Words that pair with "modern up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
office kitchen wardrobe curriculum image brand
How to conjugate "modern up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
modern up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
moderns up
he/she/it
Past simple
moderned up
yesterday
Past participle
moderned up
have + pp
-ing form
moderning up
continuous
Hear "modern up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "modern up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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