Mediocre Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mediocre
[หmiห.diหoส.kษr ]
Definitions
quality
Of only moderate quality; not very good.
Synonyms
average, ordinary, unexceptional.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mediocre |
Used to describe something that is not very good, but not very bad either. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting disappointment.
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| average |
Used to describe something that is typical or usual. It doesnโt imply negativity but rather that something is in the middle of a scale, neither the best nor the worst.
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| ordinary |
Used to describe something that is standard, common, or lacking special features. It can be neutral but sometimes suggest a lack of excitement or uniqueness.
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| unexceptional |
Used to describe something that does not stand out in any significant way. It suggests a lack of notable qualities and can sometimes have a negative implication.
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Examples of usage
- The movie received mediocre reviews from the critics.
- She was a mediocre student in high school.
person
A person of average ability.
Synonyms
average, ordinary, unremarkable.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| mediocre |
Used to describe something that is neither good nor bad, but rather just adequate, often with a negative connotation indicating it should be better.
|
| average |
Used in neutral or statistical contexts to describe something that is typical or common, without strong positive or negative connotations.
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| ordinary |
Implies something is very common and lacks special qualities, often neutral but can be negative in context to show lack of excitement or uniqueness.
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| unremarkable |
Used to stress that something is not worthy of notice or attention, often with a negative connotation indicating it fails to impress.
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Examples of usage
- He was a mediocre when it came to sports.
- The team's performance was mediocre at best.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Perspectives
- In many cultures, being mediocre is often seen as a failure to reach one's potential, leading to phrases like 'aim higher'.
- The concept is frequently explored in literature and films, where characters struggle against mediocrity to achieve greatness.
- In modern workplace culture, being labeled as 'mediocre' can impact an individual's career prospects significantly.
Psychology
- People may settle for mediocrity due to fear of failure or discomfort with change.
- The 'Mere Exposure Effect' suggests that familiarity can lead to an appreciation of mediocre experiences, making them seem more favorable over time.
- Research shows that high expectations can lead to dissatisfaction with mediocre outcomes, impacting overall happiness.
Pop Culture
- The 2013 song 'Mediocre' by the band The Lonely Island humorously critiques everyday mediocrity.
- Movies like 'The Pursuit of Happyness' challenge the idea of settling for mediocrity, inspiring audiences to strive for more.
- Reality shows often depict participants struggling with their perceived mediocrity, driving dramatic narratives and personal growth.
Education
- In educational settings, grades that are average may mask underlying issues that need to be addressed for better outcomes.
- The concept of 'mediocre' can be addressed in class discussions about personal goals and aspirations, encouraging students to pursue excellence.
- Teachers often aim to inspire students to avoid mediocrity by emphasizing the importance of effort and resilience in learning.
Origin of 'mediocre'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'mediocris', meaning 'middle' or 'ordinary'.
- Originally, 'mediocris' was used to describe things that were neither high nor low in quality.
- In the 16th century, the word began to take on a more negative connotation, implying a lack of excellence.
The word 'mediocre' comes from the Latin word 'mediocris', which means 'of middle height or degree'. It was first used in English in the early 16th century to describe something of average or moderate quality. Over time, 'mediocre' has come to be associated with things that are neither outstanding nor terrible, but rather just average or ordinary.