mediocris
For "medium" in the sense of middle-sized, Latin uses mediocris.
mediocris means "of middling size or amount", as in cista mediocris, "a medium box".
Meaning: of intermediate size (adj)
Which one should you use?
medius means "middle" in position, as in media nocte, "in the middle of the night".
How do you pronounce it?
meh-dee-OH-kris
Did you know?
- mediocris was a neutral word for "middling". The English descendant "mediocre" has become a criticism.
Examples in context
- In media via tutissimus ibisIn the middle way, you will go most safely.
- Cistam mediocrem emī.I bought a medium box.
- Canis mediocris magnitūdinis est.The dog is of medium size.
Example conversation
A customer at a market stall.
- LuciaQuam cistam vīs?Which box do you want?
- MarcusMediocrem, quaesō.A medium one, please.
- LuciaHaec bona est?Is this one good?
- MarcusOptima est. Grātiās.It is perfect. Thank you.
