mediocrityn.

Brit.

/ˌmiːdɪˈɒkrᵻti/, U.S.

/ˌmidiˈɑkrədi/

Forms: late Middle English mediokerte, late Middle English–1500s mediocrite, 1500s mediocratie, 1500s mediocritye, 1500s–1600s mediocritie, 1500s– mediocrity.

Origin: A borrowing from Latin. Etymon: Latin mediocritās.

Etymology: < classical Latin mediocritās (see note below) < mediocris (see mediocre adj.) + -tās (see -ty suffix¹; compare -ity suffix). Compare Old French, Middle French, French médiocrité intermediate state (1314), moderation (1527), moderate fortune (1541), lack of talent (1669), Italian mediocrita (1440).In both classical Latin and post-classical Latin mediocris and mediocritās had three main semantic areas: (1) middle degree of quality or quantity, (2) moderation, moral justice, (3) middle social class or rank. All three are reflected in the uses of Middle French médiocre and médiocrité and of English mediocrity : with (1) compare sense 1, with (2) compare sense 2, with (3) compare sense 3; at each of these senses the earliest quot. translates a Latin source. Classical Latin mediocritās is used already with implications of inferiority, but French médiocrité does not appear to be used disparagingly (compare sense 4) until the early 17th cent.

†a. Medium size. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > medium or moderate size > [noun]

mediocrity?c1400

M1909

?c1400 tr. Secreta Secret. (Sloane) (1977) 13 (MED) Mediokerte [L. mediocritas] of wombe and straitnes of breste signyfies heght of vnderstondyng and of gode councele.

1653 R. Saunders Physiognomie Pref. sig. A3 To the predicament of Quantity, appertain magnitude, parvity and mediocrity of parts.

1841 G. Catlin Lett. N. Amer. Indians II. lvii. 220 In stature he is about at mediocrity.

b. More generally: the quality or condition of being intermediate between two extremes; an intermediate state or condition. Formerly also: a quality, position, etc., equally removed from two opposite extremes; a mean. Now rare.Used chiefly as a quasi-technical term, perhaps influenced by Horace's phrase aurea mediocritas (see golden mean n. 1), which was itself probably referring to the Aristotelian theory of ‘the mean’ (see note at mean n.³ 7a).

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > condition of being mean or average > [noun]

mediocrity?1510

meaness1530

averageness1925

?1510 T. More tr. G. Pico della Mirandola in tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. d.iv The golden mediocrite the meanne estate is to be desired.

1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour iii. viii. sig. bi Fortitude..is a Mediocritie or meane betwene two extremities.

1532 W. Thynne in Wks. Chaucer Ded. sig. Aij^v/1 Suche sensyble and open style, lackyng neither maieste ne mediocrite couenable in disposycion.

1579 E. K. in E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. July (Embl.) Albeit all bountye dwelleth in mediocritie, yet perfect felicitye dwelleth in supremacie.

a1613 T. Overbury Obseruations Xvii. Prouinces (1626) 28 At fifteene they quit bookes, and begin to liue in the world, when indeed a mediocritie betwixt their forme of education and ours would doe better then either.

1645 J. Milton Tetrachordon 61 As the offence was in one extreme, so the rebuke, to bring more efficaciously to a rectitude and mediocrity, stands not in the middle way of duty, but in the other extreme.

1650 T. Hobbes De Corpore Politico 41 The common Opinion, that Virtue consisteth in Mediocrity and Vice in Extreams.

1759 A. Smith Theory Moral Sentiments i. iii. 49 The propriety of every passion excited by objects peculiarly related to ourselves,..must lye, it is evident, in a certain mediocrity.

1768 W. Donaldson Life Sir Bartholomew Sapskull II. xxii. 168 His temper was a mediocrity of chearfulness and solemnity.

a1871 G. Grote Fragm. Ethical Subj. v. 163 When he places virtue in a certain mediocrity between excess and defect [etc.].

1967 H. Nemerov Blue Swallows in Coll. Poems (1977) 380 The flood of power and the drouth of fear: A mediocrity, or golden mean, Maybe at best the stoic apatheia.

†c. Geometry. = mean n.³ 10a. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > number > arithmetic or algebraic operations > [noun] > mean

meanc1450

medium1573

mediety1598

mediocrity1726

arithmetical mean1798

arithmetic mean1866

root-mean-square1895

mid-range1902

1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture II. 89/2 These the Philosophers call Mediocrities or Means,..of all which the purpose is, that the two extreams being given, the middle mean or number may correspond with them in a certain determined manner.

†2. A middle course of action; measured conduct or behaviour; moderation, temperance. Frequently in to keep (also observe) a mediocrity. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > restrained or moderate behaviour > [noun]

i-metOE

hovec1175

metc1175

methec1175

measurec1225

measure?c1225

temperancea1340

methefulnessc1350

temperurec1380

mannera1382

mannernessa1382

sobernessc1384

attemperancec1386

measurablenessa1400

amesingc1400

meanheada1425

mediocrity?a1425

moderation?a1425

moderancea1460

temperancy1526

mean1531

modesty1531

temperature1536

measure-keeping1556

moderateness1571

moderature1574

sobriety1582

mediety1583

moderacy1601

temperateness1609

reserve1660

medium1693

soft pedal1899

met1932

?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 0 (MED) In seruise of bisshopes of Rome, with which in heryng, reding, & worching y haue bene noreshed in keping mediocrite [L. mediocritatem].

1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour i. xxvii. sig. Ni Some men wolde saye, that in mediocritie, whiche I haue so moche praised in shootynge; why shulde nat boulynge, claisshe, pynnes, and koytyng be as moche commended?

1564 Abp. M. Parker Let. 3 June in Corr. (1853) (modernized text) 215 He noted much and delighted in our mediocrity, charging the Genevians and the Scottish of going too far in extremities.

1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Modus Statuere modum inimicitiarum, to kepe a mediocritie or measure in hatinge.

1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie i. xvi. 95 That law of reason, which teacheth mediocritie in meates and drinkes.

1598 A. M. tr. J. Guillemeau Frenche Chirurg. 14/1 The Chirurgiane must, in sowinge, vse mediocritye, and not take to great a qvantitye of the fleshe.

1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy ii. ii. iv. 356 Body and minde must be both exercised, not one but both, and that in mediocrity.

1637 R. Humfrey tr. St. Ambrose Christian Offices ii. 41 A mediocrity is to be kept in liberality.

1670 G. Havers tr. G. Leti Il Cardinalismo di Santa Chiesa i. i. 30 If the Popes had been contented to carry themselves with mediocrity, they had never run that hazard of losing all.

1765 W. Stevenson Orig. Poems II. 297 But kept we mediocrity in view, Men would be men, nor women lose their due.

1774 T. Pennant Tour Scotl. 1772 135 Reformation in matters of religion, seldom observes mediocrity.

†3. Moderate fortune or condition in life. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > wealth > [noun] > moderate fortune or condition in life

mediocritya1500

a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 28 (MED) It is mannys felicite to haue temporall godes in abundaunce, but mediocrite sufficiþ him.

a1591 R. Greenham Wks. (1599) 50 Which thing ought to humble vs in the desire of outward things, and to make vs thankfull for a mediocritie.

1681 J. Flavell Method of Grace xxviii. 478 A mediocrity is the Christians best external security.

1725 H. Baker Orig. Poems 1 Grant me, You Gods! before I die, An happy Mediocrity;..Nor Rank, nor Wealth, I ask: But let me be Above Contempt, and wantful Poverty.

1785 W. Cowper Task i. 50 These for the rich; the rest, whom fate had placed In modest mediocrity,..sat on well-tanned hides.

1816 S. W. Singer Researches Hist. Playing Cards 125 John Gænsfleisch..was constrained by the mediocrity of his means to quit his native city of Mentz.

1849 Gentleman's Mag. Apr. 338 Enabled..to preserve through life the independence of a man..to supply the decencies of a comfortable mediocrity.

1878 T. Hardy Return of Native II. iii. ii. 87 Its [sc. a well-proportioned mind's] usual blessings are happiness and mediocrity..enabling its possessors to find their way to wealth, to wind up well, [etc.].

4. The quality or condition of being mediocre; spec. a moderate or average degree of mental ability, talents, skill, etc.; average capacity, endowment, or accomplishment. Also: that which is mediocre. Now chiefly with disparaging implication, in contrast with excellence or superiority.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > mediocrity > [noun]

mediocrity1588

indifferency1608

indifference1690

indifferentness1727

betweenity1760

commonness1779

passableness1779

flavourlessness1865

middlingness1866

normalcy1893

passable1908

1588 ‘M. Marprelate’ Epistle (1843) 11 Secondly, you haue to your mediocritie written against the Papists.

1589 T. Nashe To Students in R. Greene Menaphon Epist. sig. A Which makes me thinke, that either the louers of mediocritie, are verie many, or that the number of good Poets, are very small.

1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Cc4^v For Moderne Histories..there are some fewe verie worthy, but the greater part beneath Mediocritie .

1624 J. Fisher in Bp. F. White Replie Fishers Answere 300 I am persuaded no vnlearned man that hath in him any sparke of humilitie, or any mediocritie of Iudgement, will vndertake it.

1656 R. Sanderson 20 Serm. 123 If a man have once attained to a good mediocrity in this Art.

1709 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 21 Aug. (1965) I. 10 Leave me my own mediocrity of agreeableness and genius.

1776 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations I. i. x. 130 To excel in any profession, in which but few arrive at mediocrity, is the most decisive mark of what is called genius.

1822 J. Imison Elem. Sci. & Art II. 391 The way to avoid mediocrity, is by the study..of beautiful productions.

a1859 T. B. Macaulay Biogr. (1867) 212 The most important offices in the state were bestowed on decorous and laborious mediocrity.

1878 R. B. Smith Carthage 141 He who would attempt it must be either a fool or a military genius... A respectable mediocrity has hitherto been the order of the day.

1902 O. Wister Virginian xxiii. 271 No promise in eye, or nose, or chin; the whole thing melted to a stubby, featureless mediocrity.

1933 D. Thomas Let. Oct. (1985) 33 But even in your least inspired moments..good things arise out of the mediocrity as bubbles rise out of a marsh.

1960 M. McLuhan Let. 18 Apr. (1987) 268 I shall always remember my shock..to discover the ordinary mediocrity of the ordinary Cambridge undergraduate.

1987 Weekly News (Cambridge) 15 Oct. 33/3 Too little thought and understanding of the audience has produced a new high in mediocrity.

†5. The possession of attributes in a medium or moderate degree; a moderate degree or rate, average quality or amount; moderate condition. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > moderateness of quantity, amount, or degree > [noun] > possession of attributes in moderate degree

mediocrity1598

1598 R. Barckley Disc. Felicitie of Man v. 489 The temperate Zone..where..men..liue in a pleasant mediocrity, voide of both extremities.

1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 139 Men of age..seldome driue businesse home to the full period; but content themselues with a mediocrity of successe.

a1614 J. Melville Autobiogr. & Diary (1842) 158 That the guid ordour of the Kirk..hes bein brought to sum mediocritie of perfection.

1659 W. S. Macollo's XCIX Canons in Physick 56 Sleep likewise surpassing the bounds of mediocrity, is in like manner evil.

1665 M. Nedham Medela Medicinæ 265 There are in the Bloud, much Water and Spirit, a Mediocrity of Salt and Sulphur, and some little of Earth.

1683 T. Tryon Way to Health 292 Let them beware of strong Drinks, because they heat the blood & body beyond Mediocrity.

1733 G. Cheyne Eng. Malady ii. v. 170 To ascertain the Mediocrity of such a Diet as neither makes the Salts and Oils too many [etc.].

1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §89 We enjoy a great mediocrity of climate.

1753 J. Hanway Hist. Acct. Brit. Trade Caspian Sea II. lii. 350 Whether we..enjoy a profusion, or mediocrity of the gifts of providence.

6. concrete. A person of mediocre talents or ability.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > mediocrity > [noun] > mediocre person

mediocrity1694

mediocrist1779

mediocritist1797

plug1848

little guy1939

poor little guy1955

1694 W. Congreve Double-dealer ii. i. 15 Methinks he wants a Manner..some distinguishing Quality..he is too much a Mediocrity, in my mind.

1840 J. S. Mill Diss. & Disc. (1859) II. 408 He [sc. the U.S. President] is now always either an unknown mediocrity, or a man whose reputation has been acquired in some other field than that of politics.

1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People x. §4. 801 Spencer Perceval, an industrious mediocrity of the narrowest type.

1921 E. A. Robinson Avon's Harvest 11 I was..on my way..To mark an even-tempered average Among the major mediocrities Who serve and earn with no especial noise Or vast reward.

1963 Times 2 Nov. 8/7 There are too many mediocrities unable or unwilling to take the initiative.

1980 C. James Glued to Box (1983) 113 The TUC is run by shambling mediocrities who are an insult to their own heritage.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2001; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	mediocrity
释义	mediocrityn. Brit. /ˌmiːdɪˈɒkrᵻti/, U.S. /ˌmidiˈɑkrədi/ Forms: late Middle English mediokerte, late Middle English–1500s mediocrite, 1500s mediocratie, 1500s mediocritye, 1500s–1600s mediocritie, 1500s– mediocrity. Origin: A borrowing from Latin. Etymon: Latin mediocritās. Etymology: < classical Latin mediocritās (see note below) < mediocris (see mediocre adj.) + -tās (see -ty suffix¹; compare -ity suffix). Compare Old French, Middle French, French médiocrité intermediate state (1314), moderation (1527), moderate fortune (1541), lack of talent (1669), Italian mediocrita (1440).In both classical Latin and post-classical Latin mediocris and mediocritās had three main semantic areas: (1) middle degree of quality or quantity, (2) moderation, moral justice, (3) middle social class or rank. All three are reflected in the uses of Middle French médiocre and médiocrité and of English mediocrity : with (1) compare sense 1, with (2) compare sense 2, with (3) compare sense 3; at each of these senses the earliest quot. translates a Latin source. Classical Latin mediocritās is used already with implications of inferiority, but French médiocrité does not appear to be used disparagingly (compare sense 4) until the early 17th cent. 1. †a. Medium size. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > medium or moderate size > [noun] mediocrity?c1400 M1909 ?c1400 tr. Secreta Secret. (Sloane) (1977) 13 (MED) Mediokerte [L. mediocritas] of wombe and straitnes of breste signyfies heght of vnderstondyng and of gode councele. 1653 R. Saunders Physiognomie Pref. sig. A3 To the predicament of Quantity, appertain magnitude, parvity and mediocrity of parts. 1841 G. Catlin Lett. N. Amer. Indians II. lvii. 220 In stature he is about at mediocrity. b. More generally: the quality or condition of being intermediate between two extremes; an intermediate state or condition. Formerly also: a quality, position, etc., equally removed from two opposite extremes; a mean. Now rare.Used chiefly as a quasi-technical term, perhaps influenced by Horace's phrase aurea mediocritas (see golden mean n. 1), which was itself probably referring to the Aristotelian theory of ‘the mean’ (see note at mean n.³ 7a). ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > condition of being mean or average > [noun] mediocrity?1510 meaness1530 averageness1925 ?1510 T. More tr. G. Pico della Mirandola in tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. d.iv The golden mediocrite the meanne estate is to be desired. 1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour iii. viii. sig. bi Fortitude..is a Mediocritie or meane betwene two extremities. 1532 W. Thynne in Wks. Chaucer Ded. sig. Aij^v/1 Suche sensyble and open style, lackyng neither maieste ne mediocrite couenable in disposycion. 1579 E. K. in E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. July (Embl.) Albeit all bountye dwelleth in mediocritie, yet perfect felicitye dwelleth in supremacie. a1613 T. Overbury Obseruations Xvii. Prouinces (1626) 28 At fifteene they quit bookes, and begin to liue in the world, when indeed a mediocritie betwixt their forme of education and ours would doe better then either. 1645 J. Milton Tetrachordon 61 As the offence was in one extreme, so the rebuke, to bring more efficaciously to a rectitude and mediocrity, stands not in the middle way of duty, but in the other extreme. 1650 T. Hobbes De Corpore Politico 41 The common Opinion, that Virtue consisteth in Mediocrity and Vice in Extreams. 1759 A. Smith Theory Moral Sentiments i. iii. 49 The propriety of every passion excited by objects peculiarly related to ourselves,..must lye, it is evident, in a certain mediocrity. 1768 W. Donaldson Life Sir Bartholomew Sapskull II. xxii. 168 His temper was a mediocrity of chearfulness and solemnity. a1871 G. Grote Fragm. Ethical Subj. v. 163 When he places virtue in a certain mediocrity between excess and defect [etc.]. 1967 H. Nemerov Blue Swallows in Coll. Poems (1977) 380 The flood of power and the drouth of fear: A mediocrity, or golden mean, Maybe at best the stoic apatheia. †c. Geometry. = mean n.³ 10a. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > number > arithmetic or algebraic operations > [noun] > mean meanc1450 medium1573 mediety1598 mediocrity1726 arithmetical mean1798 arithmetic mean1866 root-mean-square1895 mid-range1902 1726 G. Leoni tr. L. B. Alberti Architecture II. 89/2 These the Philosophers call Mediocrities or Means,..of all which the purpose is, that the two extreams being given, the middle mean or number may correspond with them in a certain determined manner. †2. A middle course of action; measured conduct or behaviour; moderation, temperance. Frequently in to keep (also observe) a mediocrity. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > restrained or moderate behaviour > [noun] i-metOE hovec1175 metc1175 methec1175 measurec1225 measure?c1225 temperancea1340 methefulnessc1350 temperurec1380 mannera1382 mannernessa1382 sobernessc1384 attemperancec1386 measurablenessa1400 amesingc1400 meanheada1425 mediocrity?a1425 moderation?a1425 moderancea1460 temperancy1526 mean1531 modesty1531 temperature1536 measure-keeping1556 moderateness1571 moderature1574 sobriety1582 mediety1583 moderacy1601 temperateness1609 reserve1660 medium1693 soft pedal1899 met1932 ?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 0 (MED) In seruise of bisshopes of Rome, with which in heryng, reding, & worching y haue bene noreshed in keping mediocrite [L. mediocritatem]. 1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour i. xxvii. sig. Ni Some men wolde saye, that in mediocritie, whiche I haue so moche praised in shootynge; why shulde nat boulynge, claisshe, pynnes, and koytyng be as moche commended? 1564 Abp. M. Parker Let. 3 June in Corr. (1853) (modernized text) 215 He noted much and delighted in our mediocrity, charging the Genevians and the Scottish of going too far in extremities. 1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Modus Statuere modum inimicitiarum, to kepe a mediocritie or measure in hatinge. 1593 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie i. xvi. 95 That law of reason, which teacheth mediocritie in meates and drinkes. 1598 A. M. tr. J. Guillemeau Frenche Chirurg. 14/1 The Chirurgiane must, in sowinge, vse mediocritye, and not take to great a qvantitye of the fleshe. 1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy ii. ii. iv. 356 Body and minde must be both exercised, not one but both, and that in mediocrity. 1637 R. Humfrey tr. St. Ambrose Christian Offices ii. 41 A mediocrity is to be kept in liberality. 1670 G. Havers tr. G. Leti Il Cardinalismo di Santa Chiesa i. i. 30 If the Popes had been contented to carry themselves with mediocrity, they had never run that hazard of losing all. 1765 W. Stevenson Orig. Poems II. 297 But kept we mediocrity in view, Men would be men, nor women lose their due. 1774 T. Pennant Tour Scotl. 1772 135 Reformation in matters of religion, seldom observes mediocrity. †3. Moderate fortune or condition in life. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > wealth > [noun] > moderate fortune or condition in life mediocritya1500 a1500 tr. Thomas à Kempis De Imitatione Christi (Trin. Dublin) (1893) 28 (MED) It is mannys felicite to haue temporall godes in abundaunce, but mediocrite sufficiþ him. a1591 R. Greenham Wks. (1599) 50 Which thing ought to humble vs in the desire of outward things, and to make vs thankfull for a mediocritie. 1681 J. Flavell Method of Grace xxviii. 478 A mediocrity is the Christians best external security. 1725 H. Baker Orig. Poems 1 Grant me, You Gods! before I die, An happy Mediocrity;..Nor Rank, nor Wealth, I ask: But let me be Above Contempt, and wantful Poverty. 1785 W. Cowper Task i. 50 These for the rich; the rest, whom fate had placed In modest mediocrity,..sat on well-tanned hides. 1816 S. W. Singer Researches Hist. Playing Cards 125 John Gænsfleisch..was constrained by the mediocrity of his means to quit his native city of Mentz. 1849 Gentleman's Mag. Apr. 338 Enabled..to preserve through life the independence of a man..to supply the decencies of a comfortable mediocrity. 1878 T. Hardy Return of Native II. iii. ii. 87 Its [sc. a well-proportioned mind's] usual blessings are happiness and mediocrity..enabling its possessors to find their way to wealth, to wind up well, [etc.]. 4. The quality or condition of being mediocre; spec. a moderate or average degree of mental ability, talents, skill, etc.; average capacity, endowment, or accomplishment. Also: that which is mediocre. Now chiefly with disparaging implication, in contrast with excellence or superiority. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > mediocrity > [noun] mediocrity1588 indifferency1608 indifference1690 indifferentness1727 betweenity1760 commonness1779 passableness1779 flavourlessness1865 middlingness1866 normalcy1893 passable1908 1588 ‘M. Marprelate’ Epistle (1843) 11 Secondly, you haue to your mediocritie written against the Papists. 1589 T. Nashe To Students in R. Greene Menaphon Epist. sig. A Which makes me thinke, that either the louers of mediocritie, are verie many, or that the number of good Poets, are very small. 1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Cc4^v For Moderne Histories..there are some fewe verie worthy, but the greater part beneath Mediocritie . View more context for this quotation 1624 J. Fisher in Bp. F. White Replie Fishers Answere 300 I am persuaded no vnlearned man that hath in him any sparke of humilitie, or any mediocritie of Iudgement, will vndertake it. 1656 R. Sanderson 20 Serm. 123 If a man have once attained to a good mediocrity in this Art. 1709 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 21 Aug. (1965) I. 10 Leave me my own mediocrity of agreeableness and genius. 1776 A. Smith Inq. Wealth of Nations I. i. x. 130 To excel in any profession, in which but few arrive at mediocrity, is the most decisive mark of what is called genius. View more context for this quotation 1822 J. Imison Elem. Sci. & Art II. 391 The way to avoid mediocrity, is by the study..of beautiful productions. a1859 T. B. Macaulay Biogr. (1867) 212 The most important offices in the state were bestowed on decorous and laborious mediocrity. 1878 R. B. Smith Carthage 141 He who would attempt it must be either a fool or a military genius... A respectable mediocrity has hitherto been the order of the day. 1902 O. Wister Virginian xxiii. 271 No promise in eye, or nose, or chin; the whole thing melted to a stubby, featureless mediocrity. 1933 D. Thomas Let. Oct. (1985) 33 But even in your least inspired moments..good things arise out of the mediocrity as bubbles rise out of a marsh. 1960 M. McLuhan Let. 18 Apr. (1987) 268 I shall always remember my shock..to discover the ordinary mediocrity of the ordinary Cambridge undergraduate. 1987 Weekly News (Cambridge) 15 Oct. 33/3 Too little thought and understanding of the audience has produced a new high in mediocrity. †5. The possession of attributes in a medium or moderate degree; a moderate degree or rate, average quality or amount; moderate condition. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > moderateness of quantity, amount, or degree > [noun] > possession of attributes in moderate degree mediocrity1598 1598 R. Barckley Disc. Felicitie of Man v. 489 The temperate Zone..where..men..liue in a pleasant mediocrity, voide of both extremities. 1612 F. Bacon Ess. (new ed.) 139 Men of age..seldome driue businesse home to the full period; but content themselues with a mediocrity of successe. a1614 J. Melville Autobiogr. & Diary (1842) 158 That the guid ordour of the Kirk..hes bein brought to sum mediocritie of perfection. 1659 W. S. Macollo's XCIX Canons in Physick 56 Sleep likewise surpassing the bounds of mediocrity, is in like manner evil. 1665 M. Nedham Medela Medicinæ 265 There are in the Bloud, much Water and Spirit, a Mediocrity of Salt and Sulphur, and some little of Earth. 1683 T. Tryon Way to Health 292 Let them beware of strong Drinks, because they heat the blood & body beyond Mediocrity. 1733 G. Cheyne Eng. Malady ii. v. 170 To ascertain the Mediocrity of such a Diet as neither makes the Salts and Oils too many [etc.]. 1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §89 We enjoy a great mediocrity of climate. 1753 J. Hanway Hist. Acct. Brit. Trade Caspian Sea II. lii. 350 Whether we..enjoy a profusion, or mediocrity of the gifts of providence. 6. concrete. A person of mediocre talents or ability. ΘΚΠ the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > mediocrity > [noun] > mediocre person mediocrity1694 mediocrist1779 mediocritist1797 plug1848 little guy1939 poor little guy1955 1694 W. Congreve Double-dealer ii. i. 15 Methinks he wants a Manner..some distinguishing Quality..he is too much a Mediocrity, in my mind. 1840 J. S. Mill Diss. & Disc. (1859) II. 408 He [sc. the U.S. President] is now always either an unknown mediocrity, or a man whose reputation has been acquired in some other field than that of politics. 1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People x. §4. 801 Spencer Perceval, an industrious mediocrity of the narrowest type. 1921 E. A. Robinson Avon's Harvest 11 I was..on my way..To mark an even-tempered average Among the major mediocrities Who serve and earn with no especial noise Or vast reward. 1963 Times 2 Nov. 8/7 There are too many mediocrities unable or unwilling to take the initiative. 1980 C. James Glued to Box (1983) 113 The TUC is run by shambling mediocrities who are an insult to their own heritage. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2001; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.?c1400
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