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middle

/ˈmɪdəl/
nounadjectiveadverb★Beginner— central part or position
general

The central part or point of something

The middle of the book was the most exciting part.

The central section of the book contained the most thrilling events.

He sat in the middle of the bench.

He positioned himself centrally on the bench.

💡

Can refer to physical space, time, or abstract concepts.

informal

Of average quality or ability

He's a middle player on the team.

He performs at an average level compared to others on the team.

💡

Often used to describe something that is neither the best nor the worst.

general

The period between youth and old age

She's in the middle of her career.

She is at the midpoint of her professional life.

💡

Refers to the middle age of life, typically between 40 and 60 years old.

Collocations

in the middleat the central pointmiddle classsocial group between the rich and the poormiddle schooleducational stage between elementary and high school

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

in the middle ofphrase
during the course of
middle groundphrase
a compromise position

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

The word 'middle' is often used with prepositions like 'in', 'of', or 'to' to describe central positions or periods.

⚡Gold Rule

Positional Meaning

'Middle' primarily refers to a central position, whether in space, time, or rank.

📖Word Origin

From Old English 'middel', from Proto-Germanic 'midjaz', meaning 'middle'. Related to Old Norse 'miðr' and Old High German 'mittil'.

📝Usage Notes

Can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. Often used with prepositions like 'in', 'of', or 'to'.

Word Breakdown

mid
center
root
+
-dle
suffix indicating position
suffix
English Dictionary

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