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Midway Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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midway

[ˈmɪdˌweɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in the middle

Being at an equal distance between two points or places; situated at the middle point of a journey; in the middle of the way. In a figurative sense, midway can also refer to being at a point of progress or development between two extremes.

Synonyms

center, halfway, middle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
midway

Used to describe the point that is an equal distance between two places or events. Often used in travel, narrative progression, or development stages.

  • We stopped for lunch midway through our journey
  • The project is now midway to completion
middle

Denotes the central point or part of something, but can be more flexible and less precise than 'center'. Often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

  • She lives in the middle of the city
  • In the middle of the movie, the plot twist happens
center

Refers to the exact middle point of an area or a physical space. Also used metaphorically to describe the most important part of something.

  • The statue stands in the center of the plaza
  • Our home is at the center of our lives
halfway

Specifies a point that is at an equal distance between two ends or extremes. Often used in contexts that involve progress, location, or compromise.

  • We're halfway to our destination
  • They met us halfway in the negotiations

Examples of usage

  • We stopped for a break at a gas station midway through our road trip.
  • The project is only midway through completion, so there is still a lot of work to be done.
Context #2 | Adverb

in between

At or in the middle of a period of time or process; at a point between two extremes. It can also be used to indicate being at a point of equal distance between two places.

Synonyms

halfway, in the middle, partway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
midway

Used to indicate a point that is equally distant from the start and end points of a journey, process, or location. Often used in spatial or temporal contexts.

  • We met midway between our two homes.
  • The project is now at the midway point.
halfway

Similar to 'midway,' it indicates a point that is at an equal distance from the beginning and end, but can be more casual and used in various contexts, including efforts and stages of progress.

  • I'm halfway through my book.
  • She lives halfway between the city and the countryside.
in the middle

Commonly used to describe a central position within a space, period of time, or sequence. It can also imply a situation where someone is caught between two conflicting subjects.

  • He stood in the middle of the room.
  • I found myself in the middle of an argument.
partway

Suggests an incomplete journey or process, often implying that some, but not all, progress has been made. It can denote any point that is not at either extreme.

  • We've only made it partway up the mountain.
  • The renovation is partway done.

Examples of usage

  • She fell asleep midway through the movie.
  • The restaurant is located midway between the two shopping malls.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Carnivals and fairs often feature a 'midway', with games and food vendors set up along a central path.
  • The word is also famously associated with the Midway Atoll, a key location in World War II battles and a symbol of environmental conservation.
  • In literature and songs, 'midway' often conveys themes of balance, choice, or transitional phases in life.

Science

  • In mathematics, 'midway' can refer to the midpoint in geometry, which is the average of two endpoints in a line segment.
  • In physics, being midway can describe a state of equilibrium where forces are balanced, like a seesaw perfectly still.
  • In ecology, 'midway' points in ecosystems are critical zones where species diversity peaks before decline, highlighting balance in nature.

History

  • The Battle of Midway in 1942 was a crucial naval battle in the Pacific Theater of World War II, marking a turning point in favor of the Allies.
  • Historically, the term has been used to discuss mediating positions in conflicts, representing compromise during negotiations.
  • The idea of 'midway' has been employed in various philosophies to explore balance and moderation as key virtues in life.

Origin of 'midway'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'midway' comes from the Old English word 'midde', meaning 'middle' or 'in between'.
  • It has been used since the late 15th century to describe a central point or a place that is halfway.
  • In modern usage, 'midway' often refers to events like fairs where games and rides are set up in central areas.

The word 'midway' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the combination of 'mid' (meaning 'middle') and 'way' (referring to a path or route). It has been used to indicate a point of equal distance between two places or at the middle of a journey since the 14th century. Over time, its usage has expanded to include metaphorical meanings related to progress and development.

See also: mid, midday, midst.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,363, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.