Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun The true mean; a just medium or balance between extremes; specifically, judicious moderation, as between extremes of opinion or conduct: defined as a political term by Montesquieu, but first brought into common use by Louis Philippe in 1831 in characterizing his own system of government.
Etymologies
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mialuthien commented on the word juste milieu
juste milieu – the happy medium, the golden mean; judicious moderation, esp. in politics
July 27, 2008
sionnach commented on the word juste milieu
I don't deny that this term exists. But is it in common use? In contrast to the majority of words on this list, I have never read or heard this expression.
Also - and French is not my (one-syllable, pace Seanahan!) forte - 'milieu juste' sounds more natural to me than 'juste milieu', if only by analogy with mot juste. Perhaps a francophone wordie might care to weigh in?
July 27, 2008
mialuthien commented on the word juste milieu
Other synonyms: the middle course, the middle-of-the-road, aurea mediocritas.
I'd never heard of this term either, Sionnach. While it may not be in common use anymore, I still find it somewhat useful to know, especially as I like French-sounding words (I don't speak French) and might be inclined to try to use it in a conversation some day.
July 27, 2008
sionnach commented on the word juste milieu
If that conversation is about 19th century French painting, then go right ahead. Otherwise I'd advise against it, because of the high risk that its use may be perceived as a pretentious affectation. Depends on who you're talking to, of course.
July 27, 2008
mialuthien commented on the word juste milieu
You've obviously researched the subject :) I'll put it away in my passive vocabulary, then. Heaven forbid I'd come across as a pretentious twit!
July 27, 2008