mild

/maɪld/
adjectiveBeginner
formal

Not harsh, severe, or extreme in any way; gentle or moderate in nature.

The weather today is mild, with temperatures in the mid-70s.

The doctor prescribed a mild pain reliever for the headache.

💡

Often used to describe weather, flavors, or medical treatments that are not intense.

informal

Not very serious or severe in nature; relatively minor.

His reaction to the news was surprisingly mild.

The punishment for the offense was mild compared to what could have been imposed.

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Can imply a lack of intensity or severity in a situation or response.

Collocations

mild weathergentle or moderate weather conditionsmild flavora flavor that is not strong or spicymild mannera gentle or calm demeanor

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

mild manneredphrase
having a gentle or calm demeanor
mild surprisephrase
a reaction that is not very intense or dramatic

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The word 'mild' can be used in various contexts, from describing weather to medical treatments. Pay attention to the context to understand its precise meaning.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While 'mild' is a useful word, overusing it can make your language sound repetitive. Try to vary your vocabulary with synonyms like 'gentle', 'moderate', or 'lenient'.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'mild', from Old English 'milde', meaning 'gentle, soft, or merciful'. Related to Old Norse 'mildr' and Old High German 'mild'.

📝Usage Notes

The word 'mild' is often used to describe things that are not extreme in any way, whether it's weather, flavors, or personal behavior. It can also describe medical treatments that are not strong or harsh.

Word Breakdown

mild
gentle or moderate
root
English Dictionary