Modern, a.
Etymology: [F. moderne, L. modernus; akin to modo just now, orig. abl. of modus measure; hence, by measure, just now. See Mode.]
1. Of or pertaining to the present time, or time not long past; late; not ancient or remote in past time; of recent period; as, modern days, ages, or time; modern authors; modern fashions; modern taste; modern practice. Bacon.
2. New and common; trite; commonplace. [Obs.] We have our philosophical persons, to make modern and familiar, things supernatural and causeless. Shak. Modern English. See the Note under English.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Modern, n.
A person of modern times; -- opposed to ancient. Pope.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for modern; he lists it under new.
Where he writes about it:
Modern denotes that which has begun to exist in the present age, and is still existing; recent denotes that which has come into existence within a comparatively brief period, and may or may not be existing still. — from new
Modern history pertains to any period since the middle ages; modern literature, modern architecture, etc., are not strikingly remote from the styles and types prevalent to-day. — from new
New is opposed to old, modern to ancient, recent to remote, young to old, aged, etc. — from new