'modernise' originates from Modern French/English formation based on 'modern', ultimately from Latin 'modernus' (from 'modo' meaning 'just now'); the verb-forming suffix '-ise' comes via French from Late Latin/Greek suffixes.

'modern' comes from Latin 'modernus' (from 'modo' meaning 'just now'); French formed 'moderniser' and English adopted the verb 'modernise' (recorded from the late 18th to early 19th century), leading to the present English forms 'modernise'/'modernize' and their participles.

Initially it meant 'to make or render modern' (based on 'modern'); over time this basic sense has remained but broadened to include technological, social, stylistic, and procedural updates—its modern usage covers a wide range of 'making up to date'.