mild
- 01 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.
Simple“It has been a very mild winter so far, with almost no snow.”
In context“The region enjoys a mild maritime climate, which allows certain Mediterranean plants to thrive despite the northern latitude.”
UsageUsually describes weather or climate conditions.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
adj.not strong, spicy, or bitter in taste.
adj.lacking a strong, sharp, or pungent flavour; specifically used for food that is not spicy.
Simple“I prefer a mild curry because I cannot eat very spicy food.”
In context“The chef recommended a mild cheddar for the sauce to ensure the delicate flavour of the white wine was not overwhelmed.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not serious, dangerous, or extreme.
adj.of low intensity or moderate severity; not causing significant distress or damage.
Simple“He had a mild case of the flu and felt better after two days.”
In context“The patient reported only mild discomfort during the procedure, which the surgeon attributed to the effective local anaesthetic.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.gentle and calm; not easily made angry.
adj.possessing a gentle or temperate disposition; not prone to outbursts or harshness.
Simple“She has a mild personality and always speaks softly to everyone.”
In context“Despite the chaotic nature of the office, he maintained a mild manner that helped de-escalate many potential conflicts.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“He ordered a pint of mild at the local pub.”
In context“While bitters and lagers dominate the modern market, traditional mild remains a favourite among enthusiasts of heritage British brewing.”
Teacher's tipThis noun sense is very specific to British pub culture and is becoming less common among younger speakers.
Usage mild symptoms
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.