Meaning & Definition of word "Middle"

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    Middle

    /ˈmɪd.əl/

    noun:

    • 1. The point or part that is equally distant from the extremes; the center.
      • Example: The middle of the room was cleared for dancing.
    • 2. A position or state that is intermediate between two extremes.
      • Example: Her opinions are often in the middle, balancing both sides.

    verb:

    • 1. To place or position in the center.
      • Example: Please middle the painting on the wall.

    adjective:

    • 1. Located at an equal distance from the sides, ends, or parts.
      • Example: He was sitting in the middle seat of the car.
    • 2. Not extreme or excessive; moderate.
      • Example: She prefers middle class neighborhoods that are neither too wealthy nor too impoverished.

    Etymology

    Old English 'middele', from Proto-Germanic *midjan, meaning 'middle, center'

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    in the middle of nowhere:

    In a remote or isolated place.

    middleman:

    A person who facilitates transactions between two parties.

    caught in the middle:

    Being in a difficult situation between two opposing sides.

    Related Words

    midpoint:

    The exact middle point between two extremes.

    midsection:

    The central part of something, often used in context of the body.

    median:

    The middle value in a list of numbers, separating the higher half from the lower half.

    Slang Meanings of middle

    Meaning: Middle child syndrome

    Example Sentence: Feeling overlooked as a middle child.

    Meaning: Middle of the road

    Example Sentence: A middle-of-the-road approach is preferred in negotiations.