mod´er|ate|ly

mod|er|ate «adjective, noun. MOD uhr iht; verb. MOD uh rayt», adjective, noun, verb, -at|ed, -at|ing.

–adj.

1. kept or keeping within proper bounds; not extreme: »

moderate expenses, moderate styles.

2. not violent, severe, or intense; calm: »

moderate in speech or opinion.

3. fair; medium; not very large or good: »

to make a moderate profit.

4. (in the U.S. Weather Service wind scale) denoting a breeze having a velocity of 13-18 miles per hour (on the Beaufort scale, force 4), or a gale of 32-38 miles per hour (Beaufort force 7).

–n.

1. a person who holds moderate opinions, especially in politics or religion.

2. Usually, Moderate. a member of a political party whose aims are considered moderate.

–v.t.

1. to make less violent, severe, or intense: »

He…did what he could to moderate the grief of his friend (Anthony Trollope).

SYNONYM(S): diminish, lessen.

2. to act in as moderator; preside over: »

The commissioner moderated the public meeting.

3. Nuclear Physics. to slow down or lower the energy of (a particle, especially a neutron).

–v.i.

1. to become less extreme or violent: »

The wind is moderating.

SYNONYM(S): diminish, lessen.

2. to act as moderator; preside.

╂[< Latin moderātus, past participle of moderāre to regulate < modus measure, mode¹]

–mod´er|ate|ly, adverb.

–mod´er|ate|ness, noun.

Synonym Study adjective. 1, 2 Moderate, temperate mean not extreme in any way. Moderate emphasizes freedom from excess, not going beyond or above the proper, right, or reasonable limit: »

moderate speed. He is a moderate eater.

Temperate emphasizes deliberate restraint, holding back within limits, especially with regard to the feelings or appetites: »

a temperate reply to an angry attack.