🔊 Pronunciation: /ˈmɪd.lɪŋ/
(MID-ling)
🗣️ Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition:
Middling refers to something that is average or of moderate quality. It describes something that isn't great but isn't bad either; it's somewhere in the middle, neither particularly impressive nor disappointing.
This term can be used to describe a range of things, from performance to objects or conditions, that are neither outstanding nor poor. It's often used in a more neutral or unremarkable sense.
Examples:
- "The movie was pretty middling, not terrible, but nothing to write home about."
- "His performance in the match was middling at best; he didn't really stand out."
- "The weather today is middling, just warm enough to be comfortable but not exciting."
(Highlights something of average quality, neither good nor bad.)
(Describes a performance that was neither impressive nor subpar.)
(Refers to conditions that are average or unremarkable.)
🧠 Bonus Tip:
The word middling comes from the Old English "middel" meaning "middle." It has been used to describe things that are in the middle of a scale or range, often used in contrast to extremes.
- Use it when something doesn't stand out, especially when comparing something to higher or lower standards.
💡 Think of it like:
Something that's average, or mediocre, nothing spectacular, but nothing terrible either.
Use "middling" when describing things that are average or in the middle of a scale, especially in terms of quality, performance, or experience.