mild
mild — adjective
1. used to describe something that is not as strong, serious, or harsh as it could
used to describe something that is not as strong, serious, or harsh as it could be — for example, a punishment that stays light, or a disease that shows only small effects.
The judge gave him a mild punishment for his first offence.
collocation: mild punishment
Amani experienced only mild symptoms after catching the flu, such as a slight cough.
collocation: mild symptoms
The committee offered mild criticism of the proposal, focusing on small adjustments.
The side effects of the medicine are usually mild and disappear within a day.
- slight
focuses on small degree or amount; 'mild' adds a sense of moderation rather than just smallness
- moderate
more formal; suggests staying within reasonable limits rather than being gentle
- light
used similarly for punishment or criticism, but 'light' can imply minimal, while 'mild' suggests fair restraint
文法句型
mild + noun
be/seem/remain + mild
用法筆記
Often chosen over 'light' when describing negative things (punishment, criticism, illness) because 'light' can sound dismissive. 'Mild' sounds measured and fair.
常見錯誤
2. describes weather or temperatures that are comfortably warm rather than very col
describes weather or temperatures that are comfortably warm rather than very cold — often used when a winter or autumn is warmer than expected for that season.
The region enjoys a mild climate all year, with no extreme temperatures.
collocation: mild climate
This winter has been unusually mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below zero.
unusually + mild
Hoa prefers mild spring days to the intense heat of summer.
The mild autumn meant that the garden stayed green until late December.
文法句型
mild + noun (winter, climate, weather, autumn)
be/become + mild
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively for cold-season weather (winter, autumn, early spring). You would not describe a hot summer day as 'mild' — use 'mild' only when the temperature is on the cooler side of comfortable.
常見錯誤
3. describes food or drink whose taste is not strong, sharp, or spicy on the tongue
describes food or drink whose taste is not strong, sharp, or spicy on the tongue — the flavour is gentle and easy for most people to eat or drink, often by choice rather than by accident.
Christopher ordered a mild curry because he does not enjoy spicy food.
collocation: mild curry
This cheese has a mild, creamy flavour that most children seem to enjoy.
Mizuki bought mild salsa for the party, knowing some guests dislike heat.
The sauce is quite mild — you can add chilli powder if you prefer more heat.
文法句型
mild + noun (curry, cheese, sauce, flavour)
be/taste + mild
用法筆記
Unlike 'bland' (which means unpleasantly lacking flavour), 'mild' is a positive or neutral description — the food still has flavour, just not a strong or spicy one. Large supermarkets in the UK often sell 'mild' as a standard curry heat level, between 'medium' and 'very mild'.
常見錯誤
4. describes a person who is naturally calm and gentle, not easily angered, excited
describes a person who is naturally calm and gentle, not easily angered, excited, or upset — a stable personality trait rather than a temporary mood.
Élise is a mild-mannered teacher who never raises her voice at students.
compound: mild-mannered
Rin's customer shouted about a wrong order, but she replied in a mild tone.
shows mild temperament through action in a stressful situation
Despite his size, Felix has a mild personality and gets along with everyone.
Noor spoke in a mild tone to calm a frightened child at the store.
- gentle
very close in meaning; 'gentle' adds a nuance of kindness and care, while 'mild' focuses on evenness of temper
- calm
broader; can describe a temporary state or a personality; 'mild' is more specifically about not being easily angered
- easy-going
more informal; suggests a relaxed attitude toward plans and rules, not just emotional control
- harsh
opposite in terms of how someone treats others
- fierce
opposite in intensity of emotion or reaction
- aggressive
opposite in behaviour toward others
文法句型
mild + noun (temperament, manner, tone, personality)
be/seem/remain + mild
用法筆記
Describes a stable personality trait, not a temporary mood. A mild person is consistently calm — do not use for someone who is merely acting calm on one occasion. The compound 'mild-mannered' is very common and carries a slightly old-fashioned but positive tone, as in the comic book character Clark Kent (Superman's mild-mannered alter ego).
常見錯誤
mild — noun
1. a type of dark beer brewed in Britain, with a soft and slightly sweet taste rath
a type of dark beer brewed in Britain, with a soft and slightly sweet taste rather than the strong bitter flavour found in most other dark beers.
The pub near Eli's flat serves a traditional mild from a local brewery.
Paloma ordered a pint of mild instead of the usual lager.
uncountable: 'a pint of mild'
Mild is darker than ordinary beer and has a sweeter, less bitter taste.
Jenna tried a glass of mild at the beer festival and found it very smooth.
文法句型
mild as an uncountable noun: 'a pint of mild'
mild as a countable noun: 'two milds, please'
用法筆記
Primarily a British term. In English pubs, 'mild' usually refers to a dark, low-alcohol ale (around 3–4% ABV). The term is less common in the United States, where 'dark ale' or 'brown ale' is used instead. 'Mild' is often served from a hand pump rather than from a pressurised keg.