mildness
/ˈmaɪldnəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmaɪldnəs/ (ame, ipa)
mildness — noun
1. a gentle or moderate quality in a reaction, punishment, feeling, or other respon
a gentle or moderate quality in a reaction, punishment, feeling, or other response, so that it seems neither harsh nor extreme
The judge's mildness surprised reporters who had expected a longer prison sentence.
mildness in punishment or judgement
Amira felt relieved by the mildness of the warning after missing the meeting.
the mildness of [warning / response]
Parents praised the principal's mildness when he handled the playground fight calmly.
Even in the argument, Elena answered with a mildness that eased the tension.
- leniency
used mainly for rules or punishment, especially when someone is easier on a person than expected
- moderation
stresses staying in the middle and not going too far
- gentleness
broader; often describes touch or behaviour, not only the degree of a response
文法句型
the mildness of [reaction / punishment / reply]
with mildness
用法筆記
Common with nouns for punishment, criticism, rules, and reactions. Distinguish from sense 4: this sense describes how strong or severe a particular response is, not a person's general nature.
常見錯誤
2. weather that feels comfortable because the air stays fairly warm instead of beco
weather that feels comfortable because the air stays fairly warm instead of becoming cold for the season
After weeks of snow, everyone enjoyed the mildness of the sunny February afternoon.
the mildness of [season / afternoon / weather]
The mildness of spring let Amihan eat lunch outside without a coat.
mildness of weather allowing outdoor activity
Farmers worried that the winter's mildness would wake the insects too early.
Tourists were surprised by the mildness of the coastal air in December.
- warmth
broader; can describe heat, affection, or colour, not only mild weather
- temperateness
more formal and uncommon; often used in climate writing
文法句型
the mildness of [weather / winter / air / climate]
用法筆記
Usually appears with weather, climate, season, winter, or air. Unlike sense 1, it refers specifically to temperature rather than to behaviour, feelings, or punishment.
常見錯誤
3. a taste that is easy on the mouth because it is not very strong, spicy, bitter,
a taste that is easy on the mouth because it is not very strong, spicy, bitter, or sharp
Nikhil liked the soup's mildness because the ginger never covered the vegetables.
mildness of flavour in a cooked dish
The mildness of the cheese made it easy for children to enjoy.
the mildness of [cheese / flavour]
At breakfast, Tamar balanced the curry's mildness with extra lime and herbs.
Customers chose the tea for its mildness and clean taste.
文法句型
the mildness of [cheese / sauce / curry / tea]
for its mildness
用法筆記
Most often used of cheese, tea, sauces, curry, and similar foods or drinks. It usually suggests a pleasant lack of strength, not a complete lack of flavour.
常見錯誤
4. a calm, gentle quality in a person's nature or manner that keeps them from speak
a calm, gentle quality in a person's nature or manner that keeps them from speaking or acting harshly
Children trusted their librarian because of the mildness in her voice.
mildness in [someone's] voice
Yan's mildness helped both teams settle the dispute before dinner.
a person's mildness affecting group behaviour
Despite the delay, the nurse answered every question with mildness and patience.
Christopher remembered his grandfather's mildness whenever family talks became tense.
- gentleness
very close in meaning, though gentleness is broader and can also describe touch
- kindness
focuses more on helpful and caring actions than on calm manner
- calmness
emphasises absence of agitation more than warmth toward others
- harshness
a rough or severe manner in speech or behaviour
- irritability
a tendency to become annoyed or angry easily
文法句型
the mildness in [someone's] voice
with mildness
用法筆記
Often appears with voice, manner, face, or character. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense describes a person's steady temperament, not the strength of one particular reaction.