adjective , verb , noun
■ adjective / ˈmɒdərət; NAmE ˈmɑːd-/
1.
that is neither very good, large, hot, etc. nor very bad, small, cold, etc. :
students of moderate ability
Even moderate amounts of the drug can be fatal.
The team enjoyed only moderate success last season.
Cook over a moderate heat.
2.
having or showing opinions, especially about politics, that are not extreme :
moderate views / policies
a moderate socialist
3.
staying within limits that are considered to be reasonable by most people :
a moderate drinker
moderate wage demands
OPP immoderate
■ verb / ˈmɒdəreɪt; NAmE ˈmɑːd-/
1.
to become or make sth become less extreme, severe, etc. :
[ v ]
By evening the wind had moderated slightly.
[ vn ]
We agreed to moderate our original demands.
2.
[ vn , v ] ( BrE ) to check that an exam has been marked fairly and in the same way by different people
3.
[ vn ] to be in charge of a discussion or debate and make sure it is fair :
The television debate was moderated by a law professor.
a moderated newsgroup
[also v ]
■ noun
/ˈmɒdərət; NAmE ˈmɑːd-/ a person who has opinions, especially about politics, that are not extreme
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin moderat- reduced, controlled, from the verb moderare ; related to modest .