Medium: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is in the middle of a range or scale. Commonly found in contexts like sizes (small, medium, large) or cooking (medium rare steak).

• I’d like a medium coffee, please
• The medium difficulty level was just right for me

Refers to something that is typical or normal in terms of a range or scale. Often used in statistical or everyday contexts to denote the mean value.

• The average score on the test was 75
• It was an average day at work, nothing special happened

Implies something that is not extreme, but reasonable or within acceptable limits. Often used in contexts like opinions, pace, or temperatures.

• He has moderate views on politics
• They enjoyed a moderate hike in the mountains

Describes a middle level in a progression, often used in learning stages or skill levels. Not for physical sizes.

• He took the intermediate French class
• This recipe is for intermediate cooks

In a different sense, can also refer to a person who communicates with the spiritual world. The context is usually psychic or spiritual settings.

• She claimed to be a medium capable of talking to spirits.
• They visited a medium to contact their lost relative.

Often used in the context of broadcasting and communication. Can also refer to a route of distribution or a method of reaching an audience.

• He switched the TV channel to watch the football game.
• We need to find the best channel to reach our customers.

Typically used in the context of technology, social media, or software. Refers to an environment for developing or hosting content, services, or applications.

• Facebook is a widely used social media platform.
• The company built a new platform for online learning.

Commonly refers to a place or method for disseminating information or products. Often used in the context of news media or retail.

• CNN is a major news outlet.
• They sell their handmade crafts through a local outlet.

Can also mean a mode or channel of communication, such as an art medium or a medium for transmitting information.

• Oil painting is her preferred medium
• The internet has become a popular medium for learning

Describes the color of meat that is slightly undercooked or rare, often used when cooking beef or lamb. It can also apply to non-meat items that have a pink color.

• The steak was pinkish in the middle, just how I like it
• The salmon had a pinkish hue after I grilled it

Used to describe food that has been cooked to some degree but not fully. This term is common in recipes that require multiple cooking stages.

• The vegetables should be partially cooked before adding them to the stew
• The dough needs to be partially cooked before adding the toppings

Similar to 'partially cooked,' this term indicates that the food is not fully cooked. Common in instructions where initial cooking is required before a finishing process.

• These semi-cooked noodles need just five more minutes in boiling water
• The pie crust should be semi-cooked before filling is added