MIDDLE VOICE Meaning and
Definition
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Middle voice refers to a verbal voice that is considered distinct from both the active and passive voices. In grammar, voices indicate the relationship between the action of a verb and its subject. Active voice portrays the subject as the one performing the action, while passive voice represents the subject as the recipient of the action. Middle voice, on the other hand, places emphasis on the subject as the one affected by the action or having a vested interest in it.
In English, middle voice is not as prominent as in other languages, such as ancient Greek or Sanskrit. However, it can be found in certain constructions where the subject acts upon itself or is involved in the action. The middle voice often implies a reflexive or self-directed action, indicating that the subject is both the doer and recipient of the action. For instance, "The cat groomed itself" or "She dressed herself" exhibit the middle voice by emphasizing the subject's self-involvement in the action.
Furthermore, the middle voice can be used to express actions that are performed for the subject's own benefit, such as in the sentence, "He enjoyed himself at the party." This demonstrates the subject's active participation and personal investment in the activity.
Overall, the middle voice differs from the active and passive voices by highlighting the subject's self-involvement, reflective action, or benefit-driven activity within a sentence.
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In the Gr. verb, a mood in which the agent is represented as performing some act to or upon himself, as, I struck myself.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for MIDDLE VOICE
- niddle voice
- kiddle voice
- jiddle voice
- muddle voice
- mjddle voice
- mkddle voice
- moddle voice
- m9ddle voice
- m8ddle voice
- misdle voice
- mixdle voice
- micdle voice
- mifdle voice
- mirdle voice
- miedle voice
- midsle voice
- midxle voice
- midcle voice
- midfle voice
- midrle voice
Etymology of MIDDLE VOICE
The word "middle voice" originates from the combination of two terms: "middle" and "voice".
1. Middle: The term "middle" comes from the Old English word "middel" which meant "center, midst". It is derived from the Middle English word "middle" and the Proto-Germanic word "middila". "Middle" shares its roots with other Germanic languages such as German "Mitte" and Dutch "midden". The Old English word "middel" evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root "*medhyo-", which meant "between".
2. Voice: The term "voice" originates from the Old French word "voiz", which was derived from the Latin word "vox" meaning "voice". "Vox" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*wokw-" which represented "voice, speech".
