释义 |
medi·oc·ri·ty \ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈäkrəd.ē, -ətē, -i\ noun (-es) Etymology: Middle English mediocrite, from Middle French mediocrité, from Latin mediocritat-, mediocritas, from mediocris mediocre + -tat, -tas, -ty 1. archaic : the quality or state of being intermediate between extremes or a quality, condition, position, or degree that is intermediate: as a. : moderation of conduct : avoidance of excess or extremes : temperance b. : ability or endowment in modest degree c. : modest fortune : limited or less than ample means 2. : average capacity or worth regarded as dull, uninspired, or poor : conspicuous lack of distinction or excellence : inferiority < not ordinary mediocrity this, but planned, engineered mediocrity — and the social engineer's jargon is the measure of it — W.H.Whyte > 3. : a person of no outstanding distinction < a most intelligent middle-aged mediocrity — Oscar Wilde > < shone among the mediocrities who surrounded him > |