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Glite Dictionary
⚖️ A middle way 📐 A special ratio
golden mean

golden mean

8.1
A special ratio where the small part to the big part equals the big part to the whole
  • noun
  • /ˈɡoʊldən miːn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : proporción áurea
  • He explained the mathematics behind the golden mean to illustrate its importance in nature and design.

Examples

  • The golden mean is beautiful.

  • Many artists believe that using the golden mean in their work results in more pleasing compositions.

  • The Parthenon's façade is said to be designed according to the golden mean for visual harmony.

  • Artists often seek the golden mean.

  • The designer aimed to achieve the golden mean in the layout, balancing beauty and functionality.

  • In art, many artists strive to find the golden mean to create visually appealing compositions.

  • The architect used the concept of the golden mean to ensure the building's proportions were harmonious.

Synonyms

golden section
vsgolden mean
  • Specialized
1 7.5

A special way to divide a line or shape so the parts follow a fixed proportion often used in art

is the alternative term with identical meaning and usage

Surface Forms

golden mean singular
golden means plural

Morphology

golden + mean

The words 'golden' (special/ideal) and 'mean' (average/middle) give a B1 learner a clue that this refers to some kind of 'ideal middle' or special average, so some general sense is inferable. However, the precise technical meaning as the specific proportional relationship (the golden ratio) is specialized and not predictable from the constituents alone, so the expression is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Golden mean comes from artists and mathematicians who noticed a special way to split a line: the small part to the larger part is the same as the larger part to the whole. This 'golden' balance looks pleasing to the eye, so the phrase now means that special, pleasing proportion.