middle ground

American  

noun

1. an intermediate position, area, or recourse between two opposites or extremes; a halfway or neutral standpoint.

2. middle distance.

3. Nautical. a length of comparatively shallow water having channels on both sides.

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middle ground British  

noun

1. another term for middle distance See middle-distance

2. a position of compromise between two opposing views, parties, etc

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Etymology

Origin of middle ground

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

But it’s much harder to be a realist—to look at America’s biggest strategic competitor and seek a stable middle ground.

From The Wall Street Journal

If existing global trading rules are insufficient for a challenge of this magnitude, everyone from policymakers to corporate executives has to ask what the middle ground actually looks like.

From The Wall Street Journal

Unless both sides can make a giant leap into an unexplored middle ground of compromise, it is hard to see a deal being made.

From BBC

Terahertz light has long been considered promising for imaging because it occupies a useful middle ground.

From Science Daily

The middle ground is quickly disappearing.

From The Wall Street Journal