moderate
moderate Lexical Profile
moderate Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Average in amount, intensity, quality, or degree; neither excessive nor extreme.
"Doctors generally recommend at least thirty minutes of moderate physical activity each day."
Holding or characterized by mainstream, centrist opinions in politics or religion, avoiding radical or extreme views.
"The bill gained bipartisan support by appealing to moderate lawmakers from both parties."
• verb
To make or become less extreme, intense, rigorous, or violent.
"The coastal breeze helped to moderate the summer heat throughout the afternoon."
To preside over a public forum, debate, or online community to ensure orderly discussion and compliance with rules.
"A veteran journalist was chosen to moderate the televised presidential debate."
British To review examination papers or assessment grades to ensure consistency and fairness across different markers.
"External examiners were brought in to moderate the final coursework marks before results were published."
• noun
A person who holds centrist or mainstream views, especially in politics or religion, rejecting radical or extreme positions.
"During the primary election, the candidate campaigned as a pragmatic moderate who could unite the party."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word is a heteronym: as an adjective and noun, the final syllable is pronounced with a short, unstressed vowel (/ˈmɒdərət/), whereas as a verb, the final syllable has a long 'a' sound (/ˈmɒdəreɪt/).
• Rhymes for moderate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin 'moderatus', the past participle of 'moderari' ('to regulate, mitigate, or keep within bounds'), which derives from 'modus' ('measure, manner, or limit').