multimodal

[ muhl-tee-mohd-l, muhl-tahy- ]

adjective

1. having more than one mode.
2. Statistics. having more than one modal value:

   a multimodal distribution.

3. Transportation. intermodal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of multimodal¹

First recorded in 1900–05; multi- + modal

Example Sentences

In this approach, the AI learns to weigh the relatedness among the outcomes while capturing their differences from the multimodal data, Lu adds.

From Science Daily

In 2022, a regional planning body in Denver reallocated $900 million from highway expansions to so-called multimodal projects, including faster buses and better bike lanes.

From Seattle Times

This station is intended to offer a future connection to the multimodal High Desert Corridor and the California High Speed Rail line.

From Los Angeles Times

Utilizing multimodal MRI neuroimaging measurement procedures, the brain activity of fourteen able-bodied Japanese participants was analyzed while they watched sports clips.

From Science Daily

Someone could utilize the editor to build a multimodal representation, switch to the viewer for an initial exploration, then return to the editor to make adjustments.

From Science Daily

More About Multimodal

What does multimodal mean?

Multimodal means having or using a variety of modes or methods to do something.

Multimodal is a general term that can be used in many different contexts. It also has more specific uses in the fields of statistics and transportation.

Example: Ms. Johnson used a multimodal approach to teaching English—she relied on slideshows, movies, and student performances to supplement the textbook.

Where does multimodal come from?

The first records of multimodal come from right around 1900. It is a combination of the prefix multi-, meaning “many,” and modal, which is the adjective form of the word mode, which means “a way of doing something.”

In general, multimodal can be used to describe any process that uses more than one way to do things or achieve goals. However, it is often used in technical and academic contexts, especially when the different approaches within a field are being analyzed. For example, a multimodal approach to teaching is one that uses several different ways to present information to students. The term is often used in the study of communication to describe how we can communicate in several different ways, such as through speech, text, gestures, and images. In transportation, multimodal is used synonymously with intermodal to refer to transport systems that use multiple modes of transportation, such as trucks, trains, and ships. In the context of psychology, multimodal therapy involves different treatments to address different factors.

In statistics, multimodal has a more specific use. It is used to describe a data set that has more than one modal value, meaning the one that occurs most frequently.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to multimodal?

• multimodality (noun)

What are some synonyms for multimodal?

• intermodal

What are some words that share a root or word element with multimodal? 

• mode
• modality
• modus operandi
• multimedia

What are some words that often get used in discussing multimodal?

• approach
• method
• communication
• statistics
• transportation
• therapy

How is multimodal used in real life?

Multimodal is an extremely versatile word used to describe processes or activities that are accomplished through a variety of methods. It is applied to a variety of real-life situations.

Thank you for your lesson today covering multimodal texts! 📚 @B00kQueen pic.twitter.com/aklNxi70en

— M.Ortega-Aguilar (@TeachAguilarm) February 11, 2020

This scooters’ human uses it to get from Tysons Corner Metro to work on Gallows Road, about 10 min away via escooter. #multimodal #micromobility pic.twitter.com/sYiGaxhKdo

— Ronit A Dancis רונית אביבה (@RonitADancis) February 11, 2020

 

If you suffer from Migraines or know someone who does, take a look at this study. This is how us Functional medicine docs use a multimodal approach most health conditions https://t.co/B04Fvu1gdJ pic.twitter.com/SbTIrQZVSs

— Dr. Jay Wrigley (@KetoDocCLT) February 8, 2020

Try using multimodal!

Which of the following disciplines has the potential to be multimodal?

A. storytelling
B. healthcare
C. teaching
D. all of the above