medium
14 synonyms for medium, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A method or channel used to communicate or express something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A method or channel used to communicate or express something.
“Painting has always been her preferred artistic medium.”
2. adj
Of a middle size, degree, or amount, between two extremes.
“I'll take a medium coffee, please.”
How to use medium
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
artistic medium
medium rare
medium size
spiritual medium
Etymology
From Latin medium, the neuter form of medius ("middle").
Full origin of medium →Frequently asked questions
What does “medium” mean?
The word “medium” means a method or channel used to communicate or express something. In plain terms, a middle option or a means of conveying something — can describe size, an art form, a communication channel, or a spiritualist.
How do you pronounce “medium”?
“Medium” is pronounced MEE-dee-uhm (/ˈmiː.di.əm/ in IPA).
How do you use “medium” in a sentence?
Here is “medium” used in a sentence: “Painting has always been her preferred artistic medium.”
What part of speech is “medium”?
Depending on how it is used, “medium” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “medium” come from?
The word “medium” comes from Latin. From Latin medium, the neuter form of medius ("middle").
Is “medium” a common word?
“Medium” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “medium” have?
“Medium” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a method or channel used to communicate or express something.
What is the difference between medium and media?
"Media" is the plural of "medium." One channel of communication or expression is a medium; two or more are media. Paint is a medium; paint and clay are media. Confusion arises because "the media" is now treated as a collective term for the press and broadcasters, often taking a singular verb.
What are examples of a medium?
In communication and art, a medium is any channel carrying a message: television, radio, print, and the internet are media of mass communication. In art, oil paint, charcoal, clay, and film are all media. Each is a different means through which ideas, images, or messages are expressed and shared.
Does medium always mean a communication channel?
No — it has several unrelated senses. It can mean a middle size or degree, as in a medium coffee; a substance something lives or grows in, like a culture medium; or a person claiming to contact the dead. Context shows which sense of "medium" is meant.
