Middleweight: meaning, definitions and examples

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middleweight

[ˈmɪd.əl.weɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

boxing

A middleweight is a weight class in professional boxing, between the weights of light middleweight and super middleweight. Middleweights typically weigh between 156 and 160 pounds. They are known for their speed, power, and agility in the ring.

Synonyms

intermediate weight boxer, middle-class boxer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
middleweight	Another instance of the term 'middleweight', which is the standardized term in boxing weight classes. She's training hard to compete in the middleweight division.
middle-class boxer	Used more to describe the social or economic status of a boxer rather than their weight category. Not frequently used and can be confusing if not properly understood. Despite being a middle-class boxer, he managed to reach the top ranks.
intermediate weight boxer	A less formal term, generally referred to a boxer that is not in the lightest or heaviest categories but somewhere in between. Suitable for casual or informal discussions about boxing. He's an intermediate weight boxer, not too heavy but not that light either.

Word

Description / Examples

middleweight

Another instance of the term 'middleweight', which is the standardized term in boxing weight classes.

She's training hard to compete in the middleweight division.

middle-class boxer

Used more to describe the social or economic status of a boxer rather than their weight category. Not frequently used and can be confusing if not properly understood.

Despite being a middle-class boxer, he managed to reach the top ranks.

intermediate weight boxer

A less formal term, generally referred to a boxer that is not in the lightest or heaviest categories but somewhere in between. Suitable for casual or informal discussions about boxing.

He's an intermediate weight boxer, not too heavy but not that light either.

Examples of usage

Mike Tyson was a dominant middleweight champion in the 1980s.
The upcoming fight will feature two skilled middleweights battling for the title.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

In general terms, a middleweight refers to a person or thing that is of intermediate size or weight. It can also be used figuratively to describe something that is neither too big nor too small.

Synonyms

intermediate-sized, medium-weight.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
middleweight	Often used in sports, particularly boxing, to describe a weight class between lightweight and heavyweight. He's competing in the middleweight category The rules for middleweight fighters are quite specific
intermediate-sized	Used to describe the size of something that is between small and large, often applied to objects, animals, or spaces. This gym offers equipment for intermediate-sized athletes We need an intermediate-sized container for storage
medium-weight	Commonly employed to describe objects or materials that are neither light nor heavy, like fabrics or tools. This jacket is made from a medium-weight fabric, perfect for spring We need a medium-weight hammer for this job

Word

Description / Examples

middleweight

Often used in sports, particularly boxing, to describe a weight class between lightweight and heavyweight.

He's competing in the middleweight category
The rules for middleweight fighters are quite specific

intermediate-sized

Used to describe the size of something that is between small and large, often applied to objects, animals, or spaces.

This gym offers equipment for intermediate-sized athletes
We need an intermediate-sized container for storage

medium-weight

Commonly employed to describe objects or materials that are neither light nor heavy, like fabrics or tools.

This jacket is made from a medium-weight fabric, perfect for spring
We need a medium-weight hammer for this job

Examples of usage

The car falls into the middleweight category, offering a good balance of size and performance.
She is a middleweight in terms of height, not too tall and not too short.

Interesting Facts

Sports

In boxing, the middleweight class was established to create fairness among fighters of similar sizes.
Famous boxers like Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler fought in the middleweight category, showcasing the class’s competitive nature.
Mixed martial arts also has a middleweight division, illustrating the term's use across different sports.

Cultural Usage

The term 'middleweight' is often used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is moderate or average in ability or intensity.
In movies and literature, 'middleweight' can depict characters who are not the strongest or the weakest but play a crucial role in the story.
The expression 'middleweight' can sometimes refer to products or ideas that are considered intermediate or not too extreme.

Psychology

Research suggests that people often prefer intermediate options over extremes, a concept known as the 'center-stage effect.'
In decision-making, individuals may choose 'middleweight' choices when overwhelmed with extremes, believing they offer a balanced approach.
This preference can influence marketing strategies, where brands position their products as 'middleweight' alternatives to attract a broader audience.

Etymology

The word 'middleweight' combines 'middle,' originating from Old English 'midel,' and 'weight,' derived from Old English 'wēght,' meaning heaviness.
The term started to gain popularity in the late 19th century as sports organizations defined weight categories for fairness.
It reflects a societal tendency to categorize people and things to provide clarity and structure in various contexts.

Fashion

In fashion, the term can describe clothing designed for a moderate fit, appealing to the average body type.
Brands often market 'middleweight' apparel collections emphasizing everyday comfort, practicality, and versatility.
Fashion shows may feature 'middleweight' trends to highlight styles that suit a wide range of audiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "middleweight" in other languages:

🇵🇹 peso médio

🇮🇳 मिडलवेट

🇩🇪 Mittelgewicht

🇮🇩 berat menengah

🇺🇦 середня вага

🇵🇱 średnia waga

🇯🇵 ミドル級 (ミドルきゅう)

🇫🇷 poids moyen

🇪🇸 peso medio

🇹🇷 orta siklet

🇰🇷 미들급 (mideulgeup)

🇸🇦 وزن متوسط (wzn mtwasit)

🇨🇿 střední váha

🇸🇰 stredná váha

🇨🇳 中量级 (zhōngliàng jí)

🇸🇮 srednja teža

🇮🇸 millivigt

🇰🇿 орта салмақ

🇬🇪 საშუალო წონა (sashualo ts'ona)

🇦🇿 orta çəki

🇲🇽 peso medio