English Phrase of the Day

Definitions

English > English
middle name
1. n. A name between the given name and the family name or surname
I go by David but it's my middle name; my full name is William David Mason.
2. n. (figuratively) A trait, activity, or action closely associated with or aptly describing a person.
Think twice about playing for cash because "Poker" is her middle name.
3. n. (Philippines) One's mother's maiden name.
Analysis
middle		©
1. n. A centre, midpoint.
The middle of a circle is the point which has the same distance to every point of circle.
2. n. The part between the beginning and the end.
I woke up in the middle of the night.
In the middle of the marathon, David collapsed from fatigue.
name		©
1. n. Any nounal word or phrase which indicates a particular person, place, class, or thing.
I've never liked the name my parents gave me so I changed it at the age of twenty.
2. n. Reputation.
3. n. An abusive or insulting epithet.
Stop calling me names!

Example Sentences

If I am asked what my middle name is, I am hesitant to reveal it.  That I am devoid of sympathy for, or interest in, people who complain that their middle name is awful is due to the fact that my middle name actually changes the positive reaction people have to my first name.  Generally, being in physical peril is not the result of disclosing a middle name.

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