Moderate

Definition

Moderate generally refers to being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɑdərət/ or /ˈmɑdrət/
• Respelling: MAH-də-rət or MAH-drət (with "MAH" as in "father," "də" as in "sofa" [optional], and "rət" or "drət" as in "pirate")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɒdərət/
• Respelling: MOD-uh-rət (with "MOD" as in "model," "uh" as in "sofa," and "rət" as in "pirate")

In both dialects, "moderate" places the primary stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation differs slightly between American and British English, with "MAH-də-rət" or "MAH-drət" in American English and "MOD-uh-rət" in British English.

Etymology

The term "moderate" comes from the Latin word "moderatus", which is the past participle of "moderari", meaning "to regulate", "measure", or "keep within measure". It entered English in the late Middle English period.

Derivatives

• Moderation
• Moderato (in musical contexts)
• Moderately
• Moderator
• Moderated

Synonyms

• Temperate
• Reasonable
• Mild

Antonyms

• Extreme
• Radical
• Excessive

Usage

"Moderate" can refer to a quality of being not too much or too little, or the action of making something less severe.

• The hike is of a moderate difficulty, suitable for most people.
• He decided to moderate his tone after realizing he was being too harsh.
• The debate was led by a skilled moderator who ensured everyone had a chance to speak.

Related Terms

• Moderation
• Modesty
• Modulator
• Modulated

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Being within Reasonable Limits: Not excessive, extreme, or intense.‍
• Example: The weather today is moderate, making it perfect for a picnic.

• Average in Amount, Intensity, Quality, or Degree: Not too much or too little.‍
• Example: We have a moderate amount of supplies left for the trip.

Verb

• To Make Less Severe or Extreme: To reduce the intensity or extremeness of something.‍
• Example: The government took measures to moderate the effects of inflation.

• To Act as a Moderator: To preside over a discussion, forum, or debate.‍
• Example: She was chosen to moderate the panel discussion at the conference.

Noun

• A Person who is Moderate in Opinion or Opposition: Someone who avoids extremes, especially in politics.‍
• Example: As a moderate, he often finds himself mediating between the two opposing sides.