mediocreとは 意味・読み方・使い方

語源

From the late Middle English medioker, from the French médiocre, from the Middle French médiocre, from the Classical Latin mediocris (“in a middle state”, “of middle size”, “middling”, “moderate”, “ordinary”), from medius (“middle”) + ocris (“rugged mountain”); compare mediocrely and mediocrity.

発音

• (英国発音) IPA^(key): /ˌmiːdɪˈəʊkə/, /ˈmiːdɪˌəʊkə/
• (米国発音) IPA^(key): /ˌmidiˈoʊkəɹ/

形容詞

mediocre (comparative more mediocre, superlative most mediocre)

1. Having no peculiar or outstanding features; not extraordinary, special, exceptional, or great; of medium quality, almost always with a negative connotation.^[1]

   I'm pretty good at tennis but only mediocre at racquetball.

   • 1968, William Arthur Ward, Thoughts of a Christian Optimist‎^[2], Droke House:

     The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.

   Synonyms: common, commonplace, ordinary

   Antonyms: great, distinguished, exceptional, outstanding, remarkable, peculiar, excellent

関連する語

名詞

mediocre (複数形 mediocres)

1. A person of minor significance, accomplishment or acclaim; a common and undistinguished person.
   • 1825, “Present State of Literature”, in The Gentleman's Magazine‎^[3], volume XCV, page 197:

     Of the hundreds of inferior poets, who are continually offering their sonnets and addresses to the Moon, (または to the public instead of that luminary,) Wade, Barton, Wiffen, and Bailey, are the most conspicuous. Wade is a new aspirant, but gives strong prognostications of genius. Barton and Bailey are above the mediocres, and Wiffen tolerable.

   • 2014, Todd Whitaker, Dealing with Difficult Teachers, Third Edition (page 84)

     After this lecture, how do the mediocres feel? They probably feel indifferent or mad. Perhaps they were not even paying attention. The question is, are they more likely to be in the hallway tomorrow? Probably not.

   Antonym: great

2. (historical) A member of a socioeconomic class between the upper ranks of society and the agricultural workers.

参照

Further reading

• mediocre in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• mediocre in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911

アナグラム

• mediocer