modal

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈmoʊd.əl/
• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈməʊd.əl/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Noun

Singular modal

Plural modals

1. A modal, is a kind of verb, such as can or should that expresses possibility, ability, intention, or necessity.

   The modals in English are mostly auxiliary verbs that don't have gerund-participle forms.

Adjective

Positive modal

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. (semantics) Modal meanings express possibility, ability, intention, or necessity.
2. The modal value or amount is the middle one.
   • Synonym: average

Related words

• modality
• mode