mildly
gb/mˈaɪldli/ us/mˈaɪldli/
B1
Inglês
~ 9100
Aceções
0 aceções
adverb
B1
relation
1
to a small or limited degree
In a small way; not very much.
Padrão de uso:
mildly [adjective]
Erro comum:
Learners sometimes confuse "mildly" with "gently." "Mildly" usually describes the degree of something (how strong it is), especially feelings, reactions, or qualities (e.g., "mildly happy," "mildly spicy"). "Gently" describes the manner or way an action is done (e.g., "He touched the baby gently," not *"mildly").
Sinónimos
slightly (The most common neutral synonym; fully interchangeable in most contexts of degree.)
|
somewhat (Very close in meaning, but a little more formal and often used in writing.)
|
a bit (Very common in spoken, informal English; more casual than "mildly.")
Antónimos
extremely (Emphasizes a very high degree, the opposite of a small degree.)
|
severely (Often used for strong negative conditions like pain or problems, opposite of "mildly" in such contexts.)
|
intensely (Suggests very strong feeling or effect, contrasting with the weak or light nature of "mildly.")
Colocações
mildly amusing
|mildly annoyed
|mildly depressed
|mildly spicy
|mildly surprised
|mildly uncomfortable
Temas
daily life
|emotions
|description
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- She was only mildly interested in the proposal.
- The doctor said the infection is mildly serious but easy to treat.
- He looked mildly surprised when he saw us.
- The curry is mildly spicy, so most people can eat it.
- I'm mildly concerned about the delay in your payment.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- He is only mildly tired after the long walk.
- The movie was mildly funny, but not great.
- She felt mildly sick in the car.
- This sauce is mildly hot, so children can eat it.
- I am mildly worried about my test tomorrow.
adverb
B2
relation
2
in a gentle, not harsh way
In a quiet, gentle way, without strong anger or force.
Padrão de uso:
[someone] [verb] mildly
Erro comum:
Learners may try to use "mildly" for physical actions that need words like "slowly" or "carefully" (e.g., *"He walked mildly" is odd; better "He walked slowly"). Use "mildly" mainly with verbs of speaking, reacting, or criticizing to show they are not harsh or strong.
Sinónimos
gently (Very close in meaning; often interchangeable, especially for speech and actions done with care or softness.)
|
softly (Focuses more on quiet sound, especially voice, while "mildly" can also refer to lack of emotional force.)
|
calmly (Emphasizes lack of emotional excitement; "mildly" adds the idea of being not harsh or strong.)
Antónimos
harshly (Describes speaking or acting in a very hard or unkind way, opposite of mildness.)
|
severely (Shows great strictness or hardness, especially in criticism or punishment, opposite of a mild manner.)
Colocações
speak mildly
|answer mildly
|react mildly
|rebuke mildly
|respond mildly
Temas
emotions
|behavior
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Exemplos
- "I don't think that's fair," she said mildly.
- He rebuked the students only mildly, not wanting to embarrass them.
- The manager reacted mildly to the mistake and simply asked us to fix it.
- She smiled mildly and changed the subject.
- The criticism was expressed mildly, so no one felt attacked.
Exemplos para aprendentes
- She spoke mildly to the child and did not shout.
- The teacher answered mildly and did not get angry.
- He reacted mildly when the glass broke.
- My boss only comments mildly when I am late.
- She asked him mildly to close the window.
Gramática
Forma de dicionário
mildly
IPA
GB/mˈaɪldli/
US/mˈaɪldli/
Sílabas e acento
mildly (1 sílaba)
Stress on 1st syllable (mildly)
Formas da palavra
Noun
- Base: mildly
- Plural: mildlies
Família de palavras
Expressões
to put it mildly
1/tə pˈʊt ˈɪt mˈaɪldli/
idiom
to deliberately understate something
Used when you say that your words are less strong than the real situation, often to be polite or careful.
Exemplos
- The meeting was a disaster, to put it mildly.
- She was upset, to put it mildly, when she heard the news.
- He's a bit difficult to work with, to put it mildly.
- The service at that restaurant is slow, to put it mildly.
- The train was crowded, to put it mildly—there was hardly room to stand.