Middle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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middle
[ˈmɪdl ]
Definitions
of a word
Middle refers to the central point or position within something, often used in relation to an object, place, or concept.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| middle |
Appropriate for general use when talking about the central part of something, especially in physical or temporal terms.
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| center |
Used when referring to an exact central point, often in mathematical, geometric, or important locations (like towns or institutions).
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| midpoint |
Utilized in mathematical or technical contexts to describe the exact middle point of a line or distance between two points.
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| mid |
Commonly used as a prefix to specify the middle part of something, especially in time periods or positions in a sequence.
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Examples of usage
- The letter 'o' is in the middle of the word 'hello.'
- She placed the book in the middle of the shelf.
- The middle of the movie was the most exciting part.
of a period of time
Middle can also refer to the point equidistant from the beginning and the end of a period of time.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| middle |
Used to refer to the point or part that is equally distant from the sides, edges, or ends of something. It emphasizes being in an intermediate position.
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| midpoint |
Specifically used in mathematics and physical space to denote the exact halfway point between two ends. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation.
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| center |
Refers to the exact central point of an area or object, often used to describe places, roles, or important points of focus.
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Examples of usage
- We are in the middle of the semester.
- The middle of the night is usually the coldest.
quality
Middle can be used as an adjective to describe something that is located in the center.
Synonyms
central, intermediate, midway.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| middle |
Typically used to describe the position or location at the equal distance from the ends or sides of something.
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| central |
Used when referring to something that forms the main or most important part of something else, often used in organizational or geographical contexts.
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| intermediate |
Used to describe something that is in between two other things in terms of level, amount, or degree, often used in stages of progress or education.
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| midway |
Used to describe a point that is equally distant from two other points, often referring to distances rather than objects.
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Examples of usage
- She chose the middle seat in the row.
- The middle child often feels neglected.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In geometry, the middle of a line segment is called the midpoint, found by averaging the two endpoints.
- The middle of the Earth is known as its core, where intense heat and pressure exist.
Literature
- The middle of a story usually features the main action or conflict, often referred to as the 'rising action' in narrative structure.
- Many famous stories, such as 'The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,' have a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Pop Culture
- The phrase ‘caught in the middle’ is used in movies and songs to describe being stuck between two opposing forces or choices.
- 'Middle child syndrome' refers to the perceived feelings of neglect by children born in the middle of a family, popularized in TV shows.
Psychology
- Being in the middle of a group can influence social dynamics; middle individuals often act as mediators.
- The ‘middle ground’ is a common negotiation strategy, where parties seek a compromise rather than an extreme.
Origin of 'middle'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'middele', which means being in the center.
- Related forms in other languages include 'moyen' in French and 'medio' in Spanish, highlighting the universal concept of a center.
The word 'middle' originated from Middle English 'middel', from Old English 'midel', which is derived from Proto-Germanic 'midlaz'. It has been used in the English language since the 12th century. The concept of 'middle' has been integral to human understanding of spatial and temporal relationships, leading to its widespread use in various contexts.