German word

mild

Pronunciation

IPA/mɪlt/

Meaning

  • adjectivegentle

Example

Sie hat ein mildes Lächeln.

She has a gentle smile.

Illustration for mild (gentle)

More examples

Die Suppe ist nur mild gewürzt.

The soup is only mildly seasoned.

Core concept

Something that does not press hard or cut sharply, from a forgiving manner to a restrained taste or sensation.

Common phrases

  • milde Kritik

    mild criticism

  • mildes Aroma

    mild aroma

  • milde Würze

    mild seasoning

Similar words

sanft: Gentle in physical contact or treatment, causing little discomfort.
ruhig: Quiet and peaceful, with little noise, activity, or disturbance.
freundlich: Kind and welcoming, showing warmth and goodwill.
gelassen: Calm and composed, without visible worry, haste, or panic.

Definition in German

Nicht scharf oder streng; bei Personen freundlich und nachsichtig, bei Dingen von geringer Intensität.

Word origin

Mild is an inherited Germanic word, recorded in Old High German as milti and related to the English adjective mild.

Usage tips

  • With rules, punishment, or criticism, mild often means lenient or not severe rather than warm or affectionate.

Other meanings

  • warmadjective
  • lightadjective
  • sweetadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • mildernmitigateverb
  • Milderungmitigationnoun

Word lists with this word