Definition

In a way that is average or moderate, neither very good nor very bad.

Example

The movie was middlingly entertaining, not great but not terrible either.

Conversation

How did you feel about the movie we watched last night?

Honestly, I thought it was middlingly entertaining, nothing too special.

Yeah, I agree; it had its moments but didn't really stand out.

Exactly, it was just an average film that won't stay with me for long.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Middlingly → It is formed from "middle" (from Old English "midde", meaning the center or midpoint) and "-ling" (a suffix used to form adjectives or adverbs indicating a manner or quality) and "-ly" (a suffix used to form adverbs). The word "middlingly" means in a manner that is average or moderate, reflecting a quality of being in the middle.

Memory Tip

Think of being in the 'middle' — 'middlingly' describes doing something in an average or moderate way.

Visually Confused Words