Moderate

Pronunciation

• Adjective, noun:
• UK: IPA: /ˈmÉ’dÉ™rÉ™t/
• US: enPR: mäd'É™r-É™t, IPA: /ˈmÉ‘dÉ™rÉ™t/
• Verb:
• UK: IPA: /ˈmÉ’dÉ™reɪt/
• US: enPR: mäd'É™-rāt, IPA: /ˈmÉ‘dÉ™reɪt/

Origin

From Middle English moderat, from Latin moderātus, perfect active participle of moderor ("regulate, restrain, moderate"), from moder-, modes-, a stem appearing also in modestus ("moderate, discreet, modest"), from modus ("measure"); see mode and modest.

Full definition of moderate

Adjective

1. Not excessive; acting in moderationmoderate languagea moderate Calvinisttravelling at a moderate speed
• Jonathan SwiftA number of moderate members managed ... to obtain a majority in a thin house.
2. Mediocre
3. Average priced; standard-deal
4. Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle.a moderate winter
• Waltermoderate showers
5. (US, politics) Having an intermediate position between liberal and conservative.

Derived terms

• moderately
• moderateness

Synonyms

Noun

1. One who holds an intermediate position between extremes, as in politics.''While the moderates usually propose political compromise, it's often only achieved when the extremists allow them soThe moderates are the natural advocates of ecumenism against the fanatics of their churches.

Verb

1. (transitive) To reduce the excessiveness of (something)to moderate rage, action, desires, etc.
• ArbuthnotBy its astringent quality, it moderates the relaxing quality of warm water.
• SpenserTo moderate stiff minds disposed to strive.
2. (intransitive) To become less excessive
3. (transitive) To preside over (something) as a moderatorto moderate a synod
4. (intransitive) To act as a moderator; to assist in bringing to compromise

Synonyms

• (reduce excesses) temperate
• (preside) arbitrate, chair

Derived terms

• moderation
• moderating

Related terms

• modal
• modality
• mode
• model
• moderator
• module