middle etymology

Etymology:

The word "middle" comes from the Old English word "middel," which in turn is derived from the Proto-Germanic root "*midja-."

Meaning:

  • Located at an equal distance from two ends or sides
  • Occupying or belonging to a point or position halfway
  • Intermediate in size, quality, or degree

Origin:

The Proto-Germanic root "midja-" is believed to be ultimately derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "medhyo-," meaning "middle." This root is also the source of words such as:

  • Medieval (via Latin "medius")
  • Mediterranean (via Latin "medius" and Greek "μέσος" (mesos))
  • Meridian (via Latin "medius" and Greek "μεσημβρία" (mesēmbria))
  • Mesmerize (from the name of Franz Mesmer, who believed in the existence of a universal fluid called "animal magnetism" that flowed through the middle of the body)

Usage:

The word "middle" is commonly used in a variety of contexts, including:

  • Describing a location or position: "The store is located in the middle of the block."
  • Indicating a point in time: "We'll meet in the middle of the afternoon."
  • Referring to an intermediate value: "The middle temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit."
  • Describing a person's personality or character: "He has a middle-of-the-road attitude."

middle relate terms

  • middle

    Etymology The word middle comes from the Old English word middel which in turn is d

  • middle

    Etymology The word middle comes from the Old English word middel which in turn is d

  • class

    Etymology The term etymology comes from the Greek words etymon true meaning and

  • middlebrow

    Etymology The term middlebrow originated in the early 20th century It first appeared i

  • middleman

    Etymology The word middleman is derived from the Middle English word myddelman whic

  • middling

    Etymology The word middling originated in Old English as middel or medle meaning

  • median

    Etymology The word median comes from the Latin medianus which means middle or in

  • mean

    Etymology Old English mǣne Proto Germanic mainiz Proto Indo European mei to think

  • unsightly

    Etymology Unsightly is derived from two Old English words un prefix meaning not

  • country

    Etymology The word country is derived from the Old French word cuntree which in turn

  • midway

    Etymology Mid Middle or central point Way A path or route Meaning A point or pla