Main Entry:

mild

Pronunciation:

\ˈmī(-ə)ld\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English milde; akin to Greek malthakos soft, Latin mollis — more at melt

Date:

before 12th century

1: gentle in nature or behavior <has a mild disposition>2 a (1): moderate in action or effect <a mild sedative> (2): not sharp, spicy, or bitter <mild cheese> <mild ale> b: not being or involving what is extreme <an analysis under mild conditions>3: not severe : temperate <a mild climate> <mild symptoms of disease>

— mild·ly \mī(-ə)l(d)-lē\ adverb

— mild·ness \ˈmī(-ə)l(d)-nəs\ noun