modality

noun

mo·​dal·​i·​ty mō-ˈda-lə-tē 

plural modalities

1

a

: the quality or state of being modal

b

: a modal quality or attribute : form

2

: the classification of logical propositions (see proposition sense 1) according to their asserting or denying the possibility, impossibility, contingency, or necessity of their content

3

: one of the main avenues of sensation (such as vision)

4

: a usually physical therapeutic agency

Examples of modality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Research is ongoing into fusing modalities to achieve more generalized artificial intelligence. —James Barrat, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025

The Behavioral Economics of Student Choice The growth in students’ interest in online education challenges assumptions about the demand for this modality, particularly in a postpandemic era. —Alison Griffin, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025

The two parties are working out the detailed modalities on how the agreement shall be implemented. —Amanda Castro hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025

While some lean exclusively on a classic red lip for color, the LV Ombres palettes offer a new modality for beauty. —Essence, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for modality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Medical Definition

modality

noun

mo·​dal·​i·​ty mō-ˈdal-ət-ē 

plural modalities

1

: one of the main avenues of sensation (as vision)

2

a

: a usually physical therapeutic agency

b

: an apparatus for applying a modality