What is the golden mean Meaning and Definition
What is the golden mean
Pronunciation
/ˈwɒt ɪz ði ˈɡoʊldən miːn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A mathematical concept representing the ratio of the sum of the quantities to the larger quantity, approximately equal to 1.61803398875. It is an irrational number believed to possess unique properties, making it a fundamental element in various fields, including art, architecture, and design.
Examples
- The artist used the golden mean to create a sense of balance in her composition.
- The architect incorporated the golden mean in the design of the building to achieve a sense of harmony.
Synonyms
- Golden Ratio
- Phi
Antonyms
- Random Ratio
- Arbitrary Proportion
Additional Information
The golden mean has been observed in various aspects of nature, such as the arrangement of leaves on a stem, the branching of trees, and the flow of rivers. It is also found in the design of many famous buildings, including the Parthenon in Greece and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The golden mean is believed to possess unique properties that make it aesthetically pleasing and efficient in design.
The golden mean has been used in various fields, including art, architecture, design, and finance. It is used to create balance, harmony, and proportion in compositions. The golden mean is also used in finance to analyze market trends and make predictions.
Despite its widespread use, the golden mean is not without controversy. Some critics argue that its use is overrated and that it is not as unique or special as it is often made out to be. Others argue that the golden mean is not a fixed ratio, but rather a range of values that can be used to create balance and harmony.
The term “golden mean” was first used by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle to describe the middle ground between excess and deficiency. The mathematical concept of the golden mean was first discovered by the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid, who described it in his book “Elements”. The term “phi” was coined by the American mathematician Mark Barr in 1909.
Usage Notes
The golden mean is often used in design and architecture to create balance and harmony. It is also used in finance to analyze market trends and make predictions. When using the golden mean, it is essential to understand the underlying mathematics and to apply it in a way that is consistent with the context in which it is being used.
Cultural References
The golden mean has appeared in various forms of popular culture, including literature, art, and film. It is often used as a symbol of balance and harmony, and is frequently referenced in works of fiction that explore themes of beauty and proportion.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Golden middle
- Mean proportion
Related Words or Phrases
- Golden ratio
- Phi
- Fibonacci sequence
Collocations
- Golden mean ratio
- Golden mean proportion
- Golden mean design
Frequency of Use
The golden mean is a relatively rare term in modern language, but it is frequently used in specialized fields such as design, architecture, and finance.
Common Misspellings
- Golden meen
- Golden median
- Golden medium