adjective
mild
MYLD
adjective
1
Gentle in temperament; not quick to anger or harshness.
"She gave a mild rebuke instead of the shouting match he expected."
"He's a mild, easy-going manager who rarely raises his voice."
2
Not severe or extreme in degree.
"The doctor said it was only a mild case of food poisoning."
"A mild winter meant the heating bills stayed low this year."
3
Gentle in taste or effect, not sharp, spicy, or strong.
"He ordered the mild curry because he can't handle much spice."
"This is a mild cheddar, nothing like the sharp stuff."
noun
1
A light, low-alcohol style of English draught beer, usually dark in colour.
"His grandad still orders a pint of mild at the local pub."
How to Use Mild
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGentle, moderate, or not-too-strong — used for personalities, weather, illness, and flavour alike.
Common mistake
Mild describes a lack of intensity, not a lack of quality — a "mild flavour" isn't necessarily a bland or bad one.
Common pairings
mild weather
mild case
mild flavour
mild-mannered
Word Forms
milder comparative, milds plural, mildest superlative
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She gave a _____ rebuke instead of the shouting match he expected.
Etymology
From Old English milde ("gentle, mild"), tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to grind" or "to crush" — the idea being something worn down soft rather than rough.