Mediocre Meaning and Definition
Mediocre
Pronunciation
/ˈmɛdiəkər/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Mediocre refers to something that is average or ordinary in quality, performance, or achievement, lacking exceptional or remarkable characteristics.
Examples
1. “The new restaurant received mediocre reviews from critics, citing average food and service.”
2. “After a mediocre performance in the first half, the team improved significantly in the second half.”
Synonyms
1. Average
2. Ordinary
3. Unremarkable
Antonyms
1. Exceptional
2. Outstanding
3. Excellent
Additional Information
Mediocre is often used to describe something that is neither particularly good nor particularly bad, but rather falls somewhere in between. It can be used to describe a wide range of things, from a person’s performance or achievement to a product or service. In many cases, mediocre is used to convey a sense of disappointment or underwhelming experience.
Mediocre can also be used to describe a lack of enthusiasm or excitement. For example, someone might say, “I’m feeling mediocre about the upcoming event,” to convey a sense of indifference or apathy.
In some cases, mediocre can be used to describe a deliberate attempt to achieve a middle-of-the-road or average result. For example, a company might aim to produce a mediocre product in order to appeal to a broad audience or to avoid taking risks.
Etymology
The word “mediocre” comes from the Latin “mediocris,” meaning “of middle quality” or “moderate.” It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something that is average or ordinary.
Usage Notes
Mediocre is often used in formal or informal writing and speech to describe a wide range of things. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the intended meaning.
When using mediocre to describe a person’s performance or achievement, it’s essential to consider the context and potential impact on the individual. While mediocre might be a neutral or objective assessment, it can also be perceived as negative or critical.
Cultural References
Mediocre has appeared in various forms of popular culture, including music, film, and literature. For example, the phrase “mediocre at best” is often used in music lyrics to describe a lackluster performance or experience.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Mediocre at best” – used to describe something that is average or unremarkable.
2. “Mediocre performance” – used to describe a lackluster or unimpressive performance.
Collocations
1. Mediocre performance
2. Mediocre quality
3. Mediocre achievement
Frequency of Use
Mediocre is a moderately common word in modern language, used in both formal and informal contexts.
Common Misspellings
1. Mediocore
2. Medeocre
3. Medeocore