Moderate
Not extreme or excessive; in the middle in degree or intensity; prudent and balanced.
adjectiveModerate
Not extreme or excessive; in the middle in degree or intensity; prudent and balanced.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a thermostat set firmly in the middle: the room stays comfortable, not hot or cold, reflecting a moderate approach to temperature.
Sounds Like
MOD-uh-ruht (adjective); MOD-uh-rayt (verb)
Looks Like
Looks like mode + rate, hinting at a measured, standard level
Remember This
Moderate comes from Latin moderatus meaning restrained, related to moderatio (moderation) and the root modus meaning measure.
Other Forms
Connect With
temperate, balanced, measured, restrained, middle-of-the-road
Note
Moderate describes degree or intensity (not extreme). As a verb, it means to temper or to preside over a discussion to keep it balanced. Do not mix up with modest, which typically refers to humility or simplicity.