Meaning of moderate in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈmɑd(ə)rət/

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  1. Verb

    moderate

    Definitions

    1. preside over

    Examples

    • « John moderated the discussion »
  2. 2. make less fast or intense

    Examples

    • « moderate your speed »
  3. 3. lessen the intensity of

    Examples

    • « temper »
    • « hold in restraint »
    • « hold or keep within limits »
    • « moderate your alcohol intake »
    • « hold your tongue »
    • « hold your temper »
    • « control your anger »
  4. 4. make less severe or harsh

    Examples

    • « He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears »
  5. 5. make less strong or intense

    Examples

    • « soften »
    • « Tone down that aggressive letter »
    • « The author finally tamed some of his potentially offensive statements »
  6. 6. restrain or temper

  7. Classifying Adjective

    moderate

    Definitions

    1. not extreme

    Examples

    • « a moderate penalty »
    • « temperate in his response to criticism »

    Synonyms

  8. 2. marked by avoidance of extravagance or extremes

    Examples

    • « moderate in his demands »
    • « restrained in his response »

    Synonyms

  9. Noun

    moderate

    Definitions

    1. a person who takes a position in the political center

  10. Qualitative Adjective

    moderate

    Etymology

    late Middle English: from Latin moderat-‘reduced, controlled’, from the verb moderare; related to modest

    Definitions

    1. being within reasonable or average limits

    Examples

    • « not excessive or extreme »
    • « moderate prices »
    • « a moderate income »
    • « a moderate fine »
    • « moderate demands »
    • « a moderate estimate »
    • « a moderate eater »
    • « moderate success »
    • « a kitchen of moderate size »
    • « the X-ray sho »

    Synonyms

    Antonyms

See also