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Original · left

Modal (grammar)

A verb such as can, must or should that expresses possibility or necessity.

First in use: the 1500s
Duplicate · right

Modal window

A dialog that blocks the rest of the interface until the user responds.

First in use: the 1980s

Modal / Modal (grammar) / Modal window

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Canonical todayMeasuring…
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Duplicate share · 12 mo—
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Colour keyGrey · original meaningGreen · duplicate meaningAmber · contested (40–60%)How colours work

Can, could, should vs. dialog boxes.

Which meaning of Modal is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Modal (grammar) came first (the 1500s). Modal window arrived in the 1980s. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Modal (grammar)Modal window
English Wikipedia pageviews since July 2015 load here.

Duplicate's share of attention

Green line = duplicate's % · above 60 it owns the word · below 40 the original does

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The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · the 1500s

Modal (grammar)

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Duplicate · the 1980s

Modal window

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More duplicated terms

Design & UX