Mixed

How to spell mixed

5 letters · 1 syllable

How to pronounce mixed

What does mixed mean?

1. adjectiveMade up of different or varied elements, kinds, or qualities combined together.
2. verbPast tense of mix: combined two or more substances or things into one.

Mixed in a sentence

• adjective

  The conference drew a mixed crowd of students and professionals.

• verb

  He mixed the cement until it formed a smooth paste.

• adjective

  Early sales figures sent a mixed signal to the board.

• verb

  The bartender mixed the drinks behind the counter.

Where does mixed come from?

Language of origin: Latin

The base word 'mix' has a slightly tangled history. English first borrowed the adjective 'mixt' or 'mixed' in the 1400s from the Old French 'mixte', which in turn came from the Latin 'mixtus', the past participle of the verb 'miscere', meaning 'to mingle' or 'to blend together'. Curiously, the verb 'to mix' itself appears to have been formed afterwards, working backwards from that 'mixt' adjective, which is why it feels native even though its root is Latin. The same 'miscere' root quietly survives in relatives like 'miscellaneous' and 'promiscuous'. The spelling trap is simple but persistent: the word sounds as if it ends in a 't', so the regular '-ed' ending after the 'x' is easy to second-guess.

How the word is built

• mix (from Latin miscere, to mingle)
• -ed (past tense/participle and adjective suffix)