moderate

/'mɔdərit/

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The word "moderate" can be used as an adjective, a noun, or a verb, and it has a few different meanings depending on the context.

Adjective

Definition: When we use "moderate" as an adjective, it describes something that is not extreme or excessive. It suggests a middle ground or a balanced approach.

Noun

Definition: As a noun, a "moderate" refers to a person who holds moderate views, often in politics or discussions, meaning they do not lean strongly to one side or the other.

Verb

Definition: When used as a verb, "to moderate" means to make something less intense or severe. It can refer to controlling emotions, discussions, or other situations.

Usage Instructions

1. Adjective: Use "moderate" to describe something that is average, reasonable, or balanced. It can be used in everyday conversations, academic writing, and discussions about politics or social issues.
2. Noun: Use "moderate" to refer to a person who holds balanced views, especially in a political context.
3. Verb: Use "to moderate" when you want to express the idea of softening, controlling, or reducing something.

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "moderate" can refer to situations where moderation is necessary, such as in debates, discussions, or even lifestyle choices (like diet and exercise).

Word Variants

• Moderation (noun): The act of moderating; the process of avoiding extremes.
  • Example: "His moderation in spending has helped him save money."
• Moderator (noun): A person who moderates a discussion or debate.
  • Example: "The moderator kept the debate focused and on track."

Different Meanings

1. In terms of intensity: "moderate" can mean not too much or too little, like a moderate amount of exercise.
2. In terms of politics: It can mean a person who avoids extreme positions.

Synonyms

• Average
• Reasonable
• Mild
• Temperate
• Balanced

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

While there aren't specific idioms that use "moderate," you may encounter phrases like: - "Hold your temper": This means to control your anger, similar to moderating your emotional response. - "Moderate your intake": This is often used in health contexts, suggesting someone should limit how much of something they consume, like alcohol or food.

Summary

In summary, "moderate" is a versatile word that can denote a balanced approach in various contexts, whether describing a person's views, a manner of response, or an action to control intensity.

Academic

Adjective

1. marked by avoidance of extravagance or extremes
   • moderate in his demands
   • restrained in his response
2. not extreme
   • a moderate penalty
   • temperate in his response to criticism
3. being within reasonable or average limits; not excessive or extreme
   • moderate prices
   • a moderate income
   • a moderate fine
   • moderate demands
   • a moderate estimate
   • a moderate eater
   • moderate success
   • a kitchen of moderate size
   • the X-ray showed moderate enlargement of the heart

Noun

1. a person who takes a position in the political center

Verb

1. restrain
2. make less strong or intense; soften
   • Tone down that aggressive letter
   • The author finally tamed some of his potentially offensive statements
3. make less severe or harsh
   • He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears
4. lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
   • moderate your alcohol intake
   • hold your tongue
   • hold your temper
   • control your anger
5. make less fast or intense
   • moderate your speed
6. preside over
   • John moderated the discussion

Synonyms

• restrained
• temperate
• centrist
• middle of the roader
• moderationist
• chasten
• temper
• tone down
• tame
• mince
• soften
• control
• hold in
• hold
• contain
• check
• curb
• chair
• lead