anti-modern
UK[ˌæntiˈmɒdn]US[ˌæntiˈmɑːdərn, ˌæntaɪˈmɑːdərn]
adj
Opposed to modern ideas, styles, or values; favoring traditional or older ways.
Morpheme Breakdown
anti
modern
anti
against
modern
new, recent
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound formed by directly combining the Greek-derived prefix "anti-" with the Latin-derived adjective "modern." The prefix "anti-," from Ancient Greek ἀντί (antí), carries the core meaning of "against" or "opposite." "Modern" originates from Late Latin modernus, meaning "of the present time," itself derived from the adverb modo ("just now, only"). Therefore, the literal construction "against-now" or "opposed to the present" perfectly captures the abstract concept of rejecting contemporary trends, ideas, or aesthetics in favor of earlier traditions.
Analysis
Structure: anti (against) + modern (new, recent)
- anti: A prefix of Greek origin (from anti meaning "against, opposite").
- modern: An adjective of Latin origin (from modernus, from modo meaning "just now").
Examples
The architect's anti-modern designs deliberately rejected the sleek glass and steel of contemporary buildings.
His anti-modern views on education made him a controversial figure among progressive reformers.
The movement was characterized by an anti-modern sentiment, yearning for a return to pre-industrial society.