The word "middleish" may seem confusing when it comes to spelling. However, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), we can better understand the different sounds that make up this word. It is pronounced /ˈmɪd.lɪʃ/, with the stress falling on the first syllable "mid." The "dle" is pronounced as one syllable, with a voiced alveolar lateral approximant /l/ sound followed by a schwa /ə/ sound. The ending "ish" is pronounced with a front unrounded vowel /ɪ/ followed by a voiceless alveolar fricative /ʃ/ sound.
Middleish is an informal term that is used to describe something or someone as being somewhat in the middle, but not exactly or precisely so. It refers to being moderately close to the middle point or average of a scale, range, or spectrum.
When used to describe objects or things, middleish denotes their location or position between two extremes. It suggests that the object or thing is closer to the middle point or average compared to others, but not precisely or completely at the middle point. For example, if a person says that the temperature outside is middleish, they mean that it is not extremely hot or cold, but rather somewhere in between.
Similarly, when used to describe people, middleish implies being average or moderate in terms of personality traits, behavior, or appearance. It suggests that the individual is not outstandingly exceptional or striking, but rather falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. For instance, if someone describes themselves as middleish at sports, they are saying that they are neither extremely skilled nor completely unskilled - they are average or moderately competent.
Overall, middleish is a colloquial term that captures the idea of being somewhat toward the middle point or average, without fully reaching or embodying it. It denotes a state or position that is sandwiched between extremes, whether in terms of location, temperature, or characteristics.