B1adjective1K

Medium

UK /["/ˈmiːdiəm/"]/US /["/ˈmiːdiəm/"]/

Definition

in the middle between a larger and smaller size, amount, length, temperature, etc.

In simple words: Something that is between small and large in size or amount.

Examples

  • The medium pizza is perfect for sharing between two people.
  • She likes her steak cooked medium, not too rare or well-done.
  • As a writer, he prefers to express his ideas in a medium that is easy to understand.
  • The artist experimented with different mediums, including oil and watercolor.
  • The training was designed for students at a medium level of proficiency.

Usage notes

Use 'medium' when describing objects, sizes, or degrees. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid using it in very precise scientific terms.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a medium pizza, which is not too big and not too small.

Collocations

  • medium size
  • medium temperature
  • medium quality
  • medium roast
  • medium amount

Synonyms

  • average

Antonyms

  • small
  • large

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'median' when talking about statistics.
  • Using 'medium' as a noun without context, e.g., 'The medium was not good.'
  • Mixing up the adjective 'medium' with the noun form, like 'This is a medium.'