midsummer
UK[ˌmɪdˈsʌmə]US[ˈmɪdˌsʌmər]
n
The period of time centered on the summer solstice, around June 21 in the northern hemisphere.
n
The middle part of summer.
Morpheme Breakdown
mid
summer
mid
middle
summer
the warmest season
Etymology
The word 'midsummer' is a transparent compound from Old English, directly combining 'midd' (middle) and 'sumor' (summer). It originally referred literally to the middle of the summer season. However, its most culturally significant application became fixed to the period around the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, which was marked by ancient festivals celebrating light and fertility. This connection to a specific astronomical event, rather than the literal midpoint of the season, illustrates how calendrical and cultural practices can shape the precise meaning of a seemingly straightforward compound word.
Analysis
Structure: mid (middle) + summer (the warmest season)
- mid: From Old English 'midd', meaning "middle." It is an adjective-forming element of Germanic origin, used here as a combining form.
- summer: From Old English 'sumor', meaning "the warm season." It is a noun of Germanic origin, functioning as the base word.
Examples
The play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is set during a time of enchantment and confusion.
Many Scandinavian countries hold large celebrations for Midsummer's Eve.
By midsummer, the garden was in full, glorious bloom.