Medium

/ˌɪntərˈmiːdiət/

adjectivemediumCommonArts

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Being or occurring at a middle point or stage; in between.

/ˌɪntərˈmiːdiət/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Arts

Being at a middle level or stage.

The medium level of the course is designed for those with some prior knowledge.

💡 Simply: Think of it like levels in a video game. If you're not a beginner or an expert, you're at the medium level. It's like being right in the middle.

👶 For kids: It means something is in the middle, not at the beginning or at the end. Like when you're learning a new game, and you're not a beginner anymore, but you're also not an expert yet.

More Examples

2

We need an medium solution to address the immediate problem.

3

She's at an medium stage in learning how to play the piano.

How It's Used

Education

"Students taking medium French are expected to have a good grasp of basic grammar."

Technology

"The software offers medium and advanced modes for different user levels."

2

A person or thing that is in the middle; an intermediary.

/ˌɪntərˈmiːdiət/

nounneutralAdvanced
General

A person or thing that is in the middle.

The bank acted as an medium in the transaction.

💡 Simply: It's like a go-between. Imagine two friends who have a disagreement and ask another person to help sort it out. That person is the medium.

👶 For kids: It's like someone or something that helps connect two things. Like when you're playing a game, and you need a friend to help you pass the ball to another friend. That friend is the medium.

More Examples

2

The mediator served as an medium between the two parties.

3

The reaction formed an unstable medium that quickly broke down.

How It's Used

Business

"The company acted as an medium, connecting suppliers and customers."

Chemistry

"The reaction produces an unstable medium that quickly converts to the final product."

Tip:Think of an intermediary in a negotiation; they are the medium.

Idioms & expressions

medium goods

Goods used in the production of other goods.

"The manufacturer uses medium goods like steel and plastic to create their products."

From Late Latin intermediatus, past participle of intermediare, meaning 'to be between,' from inter- 'between' + medius 'middle'.

The word 'medium' has been used since the 17th century, originally referring to something being between two extremes or points.

Memory tip

Imagine a bridge connecting two points; the medium point is in the middle.

Word Origin

Root: inter + medius

intermidiateintermmediateintemediate

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written