Moderate: meaning, definitions and examples

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moderate

[ˈmɒdərət ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a meeting

Being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme.

Synonyms

fair, modest, reasonable, temperate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
moderate	Useful when describing something that is average in intensity, amount, or degree, often pleasantly so. The weather was moderate, neither too hot nor too cold. She has moderate political views.
reasonable	Proper for situations where something is based on good sense, logic, or is within acceptable limits. The price for the car is reasonable. She made a reasonable argument during the debate.
temperate	Suitable for describing something that is moderate or self-restrained, particularly climate or someone's behavior. The climate in that region is temperate. He is known for his temperate habits.
modest	Appropriate when referring to something that is moderate in size, amount, or degree and when describing someone who does not boast or show off. Their house is modest but comfortable. He is very modest about his accomplishments.
fair	Best used when describing something that is just, unbiased, or reasonable, often concerning treatment or judgment. The teacher was fair in grading all the students. It was a fair decision considering all the facts.

Examples of usage

The moderator asked for moderate responses from the participants.
She took a moderate approach to solving the conflict.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

temperature

To make or become less extreme, intense, or violent.

Synonyms

lessen, mitigate, reduce, temper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
moderate	Appropriate for controlling or regulating intensity or extremeness, often used in discussions regarding behavior, speed, or climate. She moderated her tone during the debate to appear more composed The weather typically moderates in spring
lessen	Best used when referring to reducing the quantity, degree, or severity of something. Often used in medical, financial, or emotional contexts. He took medication to lessen his pain The company aims to lessen its environmental impact
reduce	General word for making something smaller in size, amount, number, or degree. Works well in almost any context from dieting to expenses. They aim to reduce waste in their manufacturing process She needs to reduce her screen time
mitigate	Commonly used in formal contexts such as law, risk management, or when discussing natural disasters. It's about making something less severe or serious. Measures were taken to mitigate the effects of the storm An apology was made to mitigate any hard feelings
temper	Often used metaphorically to mean moderating or softening something harsh. Frequently found in discussions about emotions or reactions. He tried to temper his anger with patience The enthusiasm for the new project was tempered by budget constraints

Examples of usage

He tried to moderate his anger.
The weather is expected to moderate tomorrow.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

politics

A person who holds moderate views, especially in politics.

Synonyms

centrist, middle-of-the-road, moderating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
moderate	Use "moderate" when describing someone or something that avoids extremes and takes a balanced approach. It is often used in political contexts to describe someone's views or stance. She holds moderate political views, neither too liberal nor too conservative. We need to find a moderate solution that everyone can agree on.
centrist	Use "centrist" specifically in political contexts to describe someone whose views are in the middle of the political spectrum. It often denotes a position that is neither left-wing nor right-wing. He is a centrist who believes in finding common ground between different political parties. The new policy appeals to centrist voters who are tired of the polarization.
moderating	Use "moderating" when referring to the action of making something less extreme or intense. This word is often used in contexts like discussions, debates, or even environmental conditions. She played a key role in moderating the debate between the two candidates. The weather is moderating, with temperatures becoming more comfortable.
middle-of-the-road	Use "middle-of-the-road" to describe someone or something that takes a moderate and non-extreme position, often used informally. This term can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being indecisive or not innovative. His opinions are very middle-of-the-road, avoiding controversy at all costs. The movie was a middle-of-the-road comedy, pleasant but not particularly memorable.

Examples of usage

He is known as a moderate who seeks compromise.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'moderatus' which means 'restrained' or 'limited'.
It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century to describe someone who avoids extremes.
Historically, it was often associated with the idea of temperance in behavior and consumption.

Psychology

Research shows that moderate levels of stress can actually enhance performance, known as the Yerkes-Dodson law.
Moderation in behavior can lead to better mental health outcomes, fostering resilience against anxiety and depression.
Practicing moderation is linked to a balanced lifestyle, which is associated with greater longevity and well-being.

Politics

In political contexts, moderates are those who seek compromise and avoid extreme positions or revolutions.
Moderate parties often emphasize civil discourse to find common ground among differing viewpoints.
Historically, many reforms in democracies arose from moderate factions wanting to prevent extremes.

Health

Dietitians often advise a moderate intake of various food groups to ensure balanced nutrition.
Moderation in alcohol consumption can lead to better health outcomes than heavy drinking or total abstinence.
Exercise recommendations often suggest moderate activity levels rather than vigorous workouts for general health.

Culture

In art, moderation can lead to more balanced compositions, avoiding chaos and excess that overwhelm the viewer.
Many philosophies and religions promote moderation as a moral virtue, advising followers to avoid excess and extremes.
Culturally, moderation can be reflected in communal values that emphasize harmony and cooperation over conflict.

Translations

Translations of the word "moderate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 moderado

🇮🇳 मध्यम

🇩🇪 mäßig

🇮🇩 sedang

🇺🇦 помірний

🇵🇱 umiarkowany

🇯🇵 適度な

🇫🇷 modéré

🇪🇸 moderado

🇹🇷 ılımlı

🇰🇷 적당한

🇸🇦 معتدل

🇨🇿 umírněný

🇸🇰 mierny

🇨🇳 适度的

🇸🇮 zmeren

🇮🇸 hófstilltur

🇰🇿 орташа

🇬🇪 ზომიერი

🇦🇿 mülayim

🇲🇽 moderado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,693, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2690 annually
2691 weapons
2692 statistical
2693 moderate
2694 factory
2695 alive
2696 forget
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