How to Say "Mediocre" in Latin

mediocris

[mɛˈdi.ɔ.krɪs]

The English word mediocre is translated into Latin as mediocris.

The adjective describes something that has no peculiar or outstanding features.

Meaning: having no peculiar or outstanding features (adj)

What does it mean word for word?

The term is derived from medius (middle) and ocris (rugged mountain or rock), literally meaning 'midway up a mountain' or 'of middle height'.

While mediocris describes something mediocre, the form mediocrissimus is the superlative form used to intensify the idea of mediocrity.

In a Roman context, being mediocris could actually be a compliment. It was often used to praise a 'middle course' of living that avoided the dangers of both extreme poverty and excessive luxury.
The word mediocris does not just mean 'average' but evokes a sense of precariousness. It describes the feeling of being stuck halfway up a jagged cliff, where one is neither safe at the bottom nor successful at the peak.
While English uses 'very' to intensify adjectives, Latin uses a specific superlative form mediocrissimus to describe someone who is 'extremely mediocre'.

Vir mediocris
A mediocre man
Femina mediocris
A mediocre woman
Opera mediocris
A mediocre work
Viri mediocres
Mediocre men
Feminae mediocres
Mediocre women
In hoc negotio se mediocriter gessit
He handled this business somewhat mediocrely.
Poeta mediocris
A mediocre poet
Nihil mediocriter facias
Do nothing in a mediocre manner
Vita mediocris est.
Life is mediocre.
Puer mediocris est.
The boy is mediocre.

Quintus and Claudia are discussing a play they just watched.

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