What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
medial
Example
The medial part of the brain is responsible for processing sensory information. [medial: adjective]
Example
The medial side of the knee is where the ligament is located. [medial: adjective]
Example
The word 'apple' starts with a medial vowel sound. [medial: adjective]
middle
Example
The middle of the road is where the accident happened. [middle: noun]
Example
She drew a line down the middle of the paper. [middle: noun]
Example
We are currently in the middle of planning the party. [middle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Middle is more commonly used than medial in everyday language. Middle is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and tones, while medial is more technical and specialized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between medial and middle?
Medial is typically associated with technical or specialized language, making it more formal than middle. Middle is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.