Today's Words: Mid, Stratum, Irenic

Mid

(mid) adjective

mediocre, unimpressive, or disappointing.

More about Mid

In its original sense, first recorded before 900.

Shortening of the word middle.

Comes from Middle English, old English midd– (both an adjective and the initial element of a compound).

Similar to Greek mésos, méssos, méttos, Latin medius, and Sanskrit madhya, “middle.”

Examples of Mid

His attempt at a joke fell flat among his friends, who found it to be quite mid in terms of humuor.

The new smartphone model failed to impress users, who found its features to be rather mid.

Stratum

(strey-tuhm, strat-uhm) noun

one of a number of portions or divisions likened to layers or levels.

More about Stratum

First recorded 1590–1600.

Comes from the Latin word strātum, which means literally “a cover.”

Strātum comes from the past participle of sternere, “to spread, strew.”

Examples of Stratum

The novel delves into the protagonist’s psyche, uncovering hidden strata of emotions and motivations.

The artist’s work often explores the complexities of human existence by depicting different strata of society in her paintings.

Irenic

(ahy-ren-ik, ahy-ree-nik) adjective

tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory.

More about Irenic

First recorded in 1860–65.

Comes from the Greek word eirēnikós, equivalent to eirḗn(ē), “peace.”

Related to the name “Irene.”

Examples of Irenic

As tensions rose between the feuding families, they longed for an irenic resolution to their dispute.

Her irenic approach to conflict resolution often diffused tense situations in the office.

Inputs Courtesy: Dictionary.com