Words / A2

noun · A2

Middle

MIDL/ˈmɪdl/

The middle is the centre: in the middle of the room, the middle of the night, middle age. Centre is close; middle is more everyday for position in a line or period. Midst is rare and formal. In the middle of + -ing means during an activity: I was in the middle of cooking. Do not say “on the middle” — use in.

Meaning

The centre of something; a point equally far from the sides.

Examples

  • “She sat in the middle of the row.”
  • “He stood in the middle of the bridge and took a photo.”
  • “Do not phone in the middle of the film.”

Good to know

in the middle of + noun / -ing. Not “on the middle.” Close: centre.

Near in meaning

centre

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