middle kingdom: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Formal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “middle kingdom” mean?
A term referring to a historical period in ancient Egypt (c.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term referring to a historical period in ancient Egypt (c. 2055–1650 BC) known as a time of reunification, classical art, and literature; metaphorically, a balanced, central, or intermediate domain or state between extremes.
Capitalized: The specific historical period in Egyptian history. Uncapitalized: Any intermediate or central realm in politics, geography, or abstract concepts (e.g., the middle kingdom of management). Also used as a translation for 'Zhongguo' (China), viewing China as the central cultural realm.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Slightly more common in UK academic contexts regarding Egyptology. In US contexts, the uncapitalized metaphorical use might be marginally more frequent in business/political writing.
Connotations
In both, the capitalized term carries scholarly weight. The uncapitalized form can sound somewhat literary or pretentious if used casually.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse. Appears almost exclusively in specialized historical, archaeological, or political science texts.
Grammar
How to Use “middle kingdom” in a Sentence
the Middle Kingdom (of Egypt)a middle kingdom between X and Yoccupy the middle kingdomVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “middle kingdom” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Middle-Kingdom artefacts
- a Middle-Kingdom-era tomb
American English
- Middle Kingdom artifacts
- a Middle Kingdom-era tomb
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The department acts as a middle kingdom between R&D and marketing.'
Academic
Standard reference to the historical period: 'Funerary practices evolved significantly during the Middle Kingdom.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used jokingly: 'My desk is the middle kingdom between the kitchen and the living room.'
Technical
Precise historical/archaeological designation: 'Middle Kingdom scarab seals show distinct iconography.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “middle kingdom”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “middle kingdom”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “middle kingdom”
- Capitalizing when using metaphorically ('the Middle Kingdom of management').
- Using it as a synonym for 'middle class'.
- Confusing it with 'Middle-earth' (fantasy).
- Omitting 'the' when referring to the Egyptian period ('During Middle Kingdom...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its primary historical reference is to Egypt (2055–1650 BC), it is also the standard translation for 'Zhongguo' (China), meaning 'Central State'. It can also be used metaphorically.
Capitalize when referring specifically to the historical period of Egypt or as the translation for China ('the Middle Kingdom'). Do not capitalize when used as a general metaphor ('the middle kingdom of management').
It is preceded by the First Intermediate Period and the Old Kingdom. It is followed by the Second Intermediate Period and then the New Kingdom.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term. You will encounter it in history, archaeology, and political science texts, but very rarely in everyday conversation.
A term referring to a historical period in ancient Egypt (c.
Middle kingdom is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Middle kingdom: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪd.l̩ ˈkɪŋ.dəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪd.l̩ ˈkɪŋ.dəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term itself is often used metaphorically: 'He ruled the middle kingdom of the committee, balancing both factions.'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sandwich: the OLD bread, the MIDDLE filling (the good stuff), and the NEW bread. Egypt's history follows a similar pattern: Old Kingdom, MIDDLE Kingdom, New Kingdom.
Conceptual Metaphor
A KINGDOM IS A CONTAINER OF VALUE/CULTURE; BALANCE IS CENTRALITY.
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical business context, 'a middle kingdom' most likely refers to: