Definition of middling

The word "middling" can be traced back to the Middle English period, where it was originally spelt as "mideleng" or "middileng." This word was derived from the Old English phrase "middeleng," which meant "middle of the day" or "noon." Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to something that was neither too good nor too bad, but rather average or mediocre. This sense of the word first appeared in the 16th century, in works such as William Shakespeare's play "Merchant of Venice," where he wrote, "He is a very middling sort of man." The word's literal meaning of "middle" remained prevalent, however, as it was used to describe things that were situated in the center of something, or that represented a midway point between two extremes. It was also used to describe the middle course or degree of something, such as the "middling winds" that blew in the middle of the day. In modern times, the word "middling" is still used to describe something that is of moderate quality or value, and it is often contrasted with words such as "poor," "mediocre," and "excellent." It is also used to describe a person's middling status in society or their middling achievements in life. In summary, the word "middling" originated as a Middle English term for the middle of the day, but it later came to denote something that was neither too good nor too bad, but rather mediocre or average. Its literal meaning of "middle" remained prevalent, however, and it continues to be used in this sense today.