From Old English 'milde' (gentle, merciful), from Proto-Germanic *mildijaz — remarkably unchanged in meaning for over a millennium.
Not severe, serious, or harsh; gentle and not strong.
From Old English 'milde' meaning 'gentle, merciful, kind,' from Proto-Germanic *mildijaz (gentle), possibly from PIE *meldh- (soft). The word has been remarkably consistent in meaning. Key roots: *meldh- (PIE: "soft, gentle (possibly)").