moderate
/ˈmɒd.ər.ɪt/Not too much and not too little — somewhere in the middle. It describes something that avoids extremes in amount, degree, or intensity.
- The patient was advised to do moderate exercise every day.
- The region has a moderate climate — never too hot or too cold.
- She earns a moderate salary that covers her basic needs.
To control or reduce the strength of something, making it less extreme. It also means to lead or manage a discussion, debate, or panel so that it stays fair and orderly.
- The professor was asked to moderate the academic debate.
- Please moderate your voice — others are working nearby.
- Online communities need someone to moderate comments daily.
A person who holds political or social views that are not extreme — neither very conservative nor very liberal. Often used in discussions about politics.
- The party's moderates pushed for a more balanced policy.
- She is known as a moderate who prefers compromise over conflict.
Adinary Nuance
The near-neighbor to watch most carefully is mediocre — "moderate" is neutral and even positive (a moderate pace is healthy), while "mediocre" always carries disappointment (mediocre work is barely acceptable). Average describes what is typical across a group of things, but "moderate" describes degree or intensity, not a statistical middle. Mild overlaps with "moderate" for weather or symptoms, but "mild" sounds gentler and softer — a mild headache is smaller than a moderate one. Reasonable implies fair judgment or logic, while "moderate" stays focused purely on amount or position on a scale — so in academic writing, choose "moderate" when you mean not extreme, and "reasonable" when you mean sensible.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- vừa phải
- Spanish
- moderado
- Chinese
- 适度的
- Japanese
- 適度な
- Korean
- 적당한
Etymology
From Latin "moderatus," past participle of "moderare" meaning "to control" or "to regulate," itself linked to "modus" (measure). The word entered English in the late 14th century, carrying the core idea of keeping things within proper measure.
Common phrases
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Frequently asked questions
- Is 'moderate' a positive or negative word?
- It is neutral. 'Moderate' simply means something is not extreme — it does not judge whether that is good or bad. Context decides the tone. A moderate temperature is pleasant; a moderate response to a crisis might sound like an underreaction.
- What is the difference between 'moderate' and 'mediocre'?
- 'Moderate' is neutral and describes degree — a moderate amount, moderate progress. 'Mediocre' is negative and means barely acceptable quality. Never use 'mediocre' when you mean 'moderate' — it will sound like an insult.
- Can 'moderate' be used as a verb in academic writing?
- Yes. In academic and professional contexts, 'moderate' as a verb means to lead a panel or discussion, or to reduce something's intensity. For example: 'A senior researcher moderated the conference session.' It is common and formal.
- Is 'moderate' common in IELTS writing and speaking?
- Yes, it is very useful for IELTS. It helps you describe data, trends, and opinions precisely — for example, 'a moderate increase,' 'moderate concern,' or 'a moderate approach.' It signals academic vocabulary awareness.