mild
MYLD
Mild (adjective) means Gentle in temperament; not quick to anger or harshness. Example: “Our mild neighbour just smiled and shrugged when the football smashed his window.”
adjective
1
Gentle in temperament; not quick to anger or harshness.
"Our mild neighbour just smiled and shrugged when the football smashed his window."
"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.
"Only a mild frost is expected tonight, so the plants should be fine."
"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.
"The children preferred the mild salsa, since the hot one made their eyes water."
"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.
"The old pub still keeps a dark mild on tap for its regulars."
"Mild is rarely brewed these days, so a good pint is hard to find."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- milds
- Comparative
- milder
- Superlative
- mildest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Our _____ neighbour just smiled and shrugged when the football smashed his window.
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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for mild
See all rhymes for mild →Frequently asked questions
What does “mild” mean?
The word “mild” means gentle in temperament; not quick to anger or harshness. In plain terms, gentle, moderate, or not-too-strong — used for personalities, weather, illness, and flavour alike.
How do you pronounce “mild”?
“Mild” is pronounced MYLD (/ˈmaɪld/ in IPA).
How do you use “mild” in a sentence?
Here is “mild” used in a sentence: “She gave a mild rebuke instead of the shouting match he expected.”
What is another word for “mild”?
Words with a similar meaning to “mild” include soft, gentle, bland, calm, tranquil and soothing.
What is the opposite of “mild”?
The opposite of “mild” — its antonyms — are strong, harsh, severe, irritating and violent.
What part of speech is “mild”?
Depending on how it is used, “mild” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “mild” come from?
The word “mild” comes from Old English. 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.
Is “mild” a common word?
“Mild” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between mild and gentle?
Both suggest softness, but gentle emphasizes a kind, careful, tender manner, while mild stresses being not severe, not strong, or not extreme. A gentle touch is careful; a mild flavour is faint.
What is the difference between mild and spicy for food?
When describing food, mild means having little heat and a subtle, delicate flavour, whereas spicy means having strong heat from chilli or pepper. Mild is usually the option chosen by people who prefer less intense flavours.
What is the opposite of mild?
The opposite depends on the sense: for temperament or severity it is often harsh or severe, and for flavour or weather it is strong, intense, or extreme. Mild always points toward the gentler, less extreme end of the scale.
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