English Reference

Word

mild

US/ˈmaɪɫd/

UK/mˈaɪld/

Definitions

01weather

B1 · Intermediate

adj. pleasantly warm or not as cold as usual.

adj. of weather: moderately warm, especially in a way that is unexpected or pleasant during a cold season.

“It has been a very mild winter so far, with almost no snow.”

“The region enjoys a mild maritime climate, which allows certain Mediterranean plants to thrive despite the northern latitude.”

Usage

Usually describes weather or climate conditions.

02food flavor

B1 · Intermediate Cooking

adj. not strong, spicy, or bitter in taste.

adj. lacking a strong, sharp, or pungent flavour; specifically used for food that is not spicy.

“I prefer a mild curry because I cannot eat very spicy food.”

“The chef recommended a mild cheddar for the sauce to ensure the delicate flavour of the white wine was not overwhelmed.”

03not severe

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. not serious, dangerous, or extreme.

adj. of low intensity or moderate severity; not causing significant distress or damage.

“He had a mild case of the flu and felt better after two days.”

“The patient reported only mild discomfort during the procedure, which the surgeon attributed to the effective local anaesthetic.”

04gentle personality

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. gentle and calm; not easily made angry.

adj. possessing a gentle or temperate disposition; not prone to outbursts or harshness.

“She has a mild personality and always speaks softly to everyone.”

“Despite the chaotic nature of the office, he maintained a mild manner that helped de-escalate many potential conflicts.”

Synonyms

05type of beer

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun British English

n. a type of dark British beer that does not have a strong bitter taste.

n. a variety of low-gravity ale, typically dark in colour and characterized by a low level of hop bitterness.

“He ordered a pint of mild at the local pub.”

“While bitters and lagers dominate the modern market, traditional mild remains a favourite among enthusiasts of heritage British brewing.”

Teaching tip

This noun sense is very specific to British pub culture and is becoming less common among younger speakers.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “mild” in context.

Verb

01. give a mild warning

“The teacher gave him a mild warning for talking during the lesson.”

verb + adj + noun

02. have a mild temperament

“He has a mild temperament and rarely gets angry with anyone.”

verb + adj + noun

Adjective

03. mild symptoms

“Most people who catch the virus only experience mild symptoms like a cough.”

adj + noun

04. mild cheese

“This mild cheese is perfect for children who don't like strong flavors.”

adj + noun

05. mild curry

“I prefer a mild curry because I don't like food that is too spicy.”

adj + noun

06. mild winter

“We had a very mild winter this year, so it didn't snow at all.”

adj + noun

Adverb

07. surprisingly mild

“The weather was surprisingly mild for January, so we went for a walk without coats.”

adv + adj

Etymology

From Middle English milde, from Old English milde (“mild”), from Proto-Germanic mildijaz (“mild”), from Proto-Indo-European melh₂- (“to beat, pound, grind”). Cognate with Scots mild, myld (“mild”), Saterland Frisian milde (“mild”), West Frisian myld (“mild”), Dutch mild (“mild”), Low German milde (“mild”), German mild (“mild”), Danish, Swedish and Norwegian Bokmål mild (“mild”), Icelandic mildur (“mild”), Latin mollis (“soft, gentle”), Lithuanian malonus (“pleasing, pleasant, kind”), Old Norse mildr.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

mild(B1)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · IntermediateOxford
Updated

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