Word
mildly
Phoneticsmild·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmaɪɫdɫi/
UK/mˈaɪldli/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01slightly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. to a small degree; a little bit.
adv. to a moderate or slight degree; often used to soften a description or criticism.
“I was mildly surprised when I heard the news, but I didn't shout.”
“The critic described the performance as mildly entertaining, suggesting it lacked the depth required for a truly memorable theatrical experience.”
02in a gentle way
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that is not harsh, angry, or loud.
adv. in a gentle, kind, or temperate manner; without harshness or severity.
“She spoke mildly to the child so he wouldn't feel scared.”
“Despite the provocative nature of the questions, the professor responded mildly, maintaining a professional and calm atmosphere in the lecture hall.”
03to put it mildly
C1 · Advanced Informal
adv. a phrase used to say that something is actually much worse or more extreme than you are saying.
adv. a fixed idiomatic expression used as an understatement to imply that the reality is far more significant or severe.
“The food was terrible; to put it mildly, I will not be going back.”
“Calling the project a failure is putting it mildly, as the company lost millions and its entire reputation was tarnished by the scandal.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Photograph: Pamela Raith Aimed at an audience of over-14s, it has some mildly spicy lines.” “At the time, about 83% of the students in the computer science program were male , so I was mildly surprised to note that the other student was female.” Etymology
From mild + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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