rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymodalityPossibility and necessity
noun

modality

A formal category expressing how a statement relates to possibility or necessity.

In logic, modality distinguishes what is possible from what is necessary.

Etymology
modLatinmanner or mode
+alEnglishrelating to
+ityEnglishstate or quality

Modality belongs to the word family for manner or mode. In logic, it identifies how a proposition is qualified, particularly as possible, necessary, or contingent.

More examples

  • The word “might” expresses modality by presenting an event as possible.
  • Changing “may” to “must” changes the modality of the statement.
  • Possibility and necessity are two modalities studied in logic.

Forms

modality · modalities

modal adjective — Expressing possibility, necessity, or related meanings.