# mild

/ˈmaɪɫd/ (US) · /mˈaɪld/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mild
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. weather

adjective · CEFR B1

pleasantly warm or not as cold as usual.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. food flavor

adjective · CEFR B1

not strong, spicy, or bitter in taste.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. not severe

adjective · CEFR B2

not serious, dangerous, or extreme.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. gentle personality

adjective · CEFR B2

gentle and calm; not easily made angry.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. type of beer

noun · CEFR C2 · British English

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The curry has a mild flavor.
- We enjoyed a mild winter this year with very little snow or freezing rain.
- The patient reported only mild discomfort following the procedure, suggesting that the local anesthetic was still partially effective during the initial recovery phase.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.