English Reference
adjective

mixed

adj.
US /ˈmɪkst/ UK /mˈɪkst/ mixed

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    including both good and bad parts, or positive and negative feelings.

    characterised by a combination of positive and negative elements or reactions.

    Simple

    I have mixed feelings about moving to a new city because I will miss my friends.

    In context

    The film received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising the cinematography while others found the plot derivative.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    consisting of different types of things or people put together.

    composed of diverse elements, qualities, or individuals.

    Simple

    The bowl was full of mixed nuts like almonds and cashews.

    In context

    The neighbourhood is a mixed residential and commercial area, featuring quiet apartments alongside busy local shops.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    including both men and women, or boys and girls.

    comprising or involving individuals of both sexes.

    Simple

    They play in a mixed football team with both men and women.

    In context

    The school transitioned to a mixed environment in the nineties, ending a century of single-sex education.

    coeducationalintegrated
    single sexsegregated
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    coming from two or more different races, cultures, or animal breeds.

    originating from two or more different ethnic groups, races, or breeds.

    Simple

    The family has a mixed heritage, with relatives from both Italy and Japan.

    In context

    The veterinarian noted that the dog was a mixed breed, likely a combination of a retriever and a smaller terrier.

    multiracialhybrid
    purebred

Usage appreciation mixed

For Seoul, Trump's post is a mixed message.

BBC News· 17 Aug 2026

What happens when cities become less socially mixed?

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

From mix, equivalent to mix + -ed. Compare Middle English mixid (“mixed”, past participle), Old English miscode (“mixed”, preterite). More at mix. In adjectival use, reinforced by French mixte and/or Latin mixtus, past participle of misceō (“mix”), from the same Indo-European root as mix.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated