mild

[ mahyld ]

adjective

, mild·er, mild·est.

1. amiably gentle or temperate in feeling or behavior toward others.

   Synonyms: pleasant, soft

   Antonyms: forceful

2. characterized by or showing such gentleness, as manners or speech:

   a mild voice.

3. not cold, severe, or extreme, as air or weather:

   mild breezes.

   Synonyms: clement, moderate, temperate

   Antonyms: severe

4. not sharp, pungent, or strong:

   a mild flavor.

   Synonyms: bland

5. not acute or serious, as disease:

   a mild case of flu.

6. gentle or moderate in force or effect:

   mild penalties.

   Antonyms: harsh

7. soft; pleasant:

   mild sunshine.

8. moderate in intensity, degree, or character:

   mild regret.

9. British Dialect. comparatively soft and easily worked, as soil, wood, or stone.
10. Obsolete. kind or gracious.

noun

1. British. beer that has a blander taste than bitter.

mild

/ maɪld /

adjective

1. (of a taste, sensation, etc) not powerful or strong; bland

   a mild curry

2. gentle or temperate in character, climate, behaviour, etc
3. not extreme; moderate

   a mild rebuke

4. feeble; unassertive

noun

1. draught beer, of darker colour than bitter and flavoured with fewer hops

Derived Forms

• ˈmildness, noun
• ˈmildly, adverb

Other Words From

• mildly adverb
• mildness noun
• over·mild adjective
• semi·mild adjective
• semi·mildness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mild¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English milde; cognate with German mild; akin to Greek malthakós “soft”

Word History and Origins

Origin of mild¹

Old English milde; compare Old Saxon mildi, Old Norse mildr

Synonym Study

See gentle.

Example Sentences

There were some mild side effects such as nausea and dizziness, but no serious ones, say the researchers.

From BBC

Psychotic-like experiences resemble symptoms of psychosis, but are milder, less frequent and much more common than psychotic disorders.

From Science Daily

Britain and Europe have been very lucky with two mild winters since the energy crisis.

From BBC

While most cases are mild, commonly characterized by conjunctivitis and respiratory symptoms, this previously healthy teen was hospitalized from the virus in critical condition.

From Salon

By default, Roblox users under the age of nine will only be able to access "minimal" or "mild" experiences - but parents can allow them to play "moderate" games by giving consent.

From BBC

Related Words

• balmy
• benign
• bland
• breezy
• calm
• cool
• delicate
• mellow
• moderate
• peaceful
• smooth
• soft
• sunny
• tepid
• warm
• weak