mod·er·ate

(mŏd′ər-ĭt)

adj.

1. Being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme: a moderate price.

2. Not violent or subject to extremes; mild or calm; temperate: a moderate climate.

a. Of medium or average quantity or extent.

b. Of limited or average quality; mediocre.

4. Opposed to radical or extreme views or measures, especially in politics or religion.

One who holds or champions moderate views or opinions, especially in politics or religion.

v. (mŏd′ə-rāt′) mod·er·at·ed, mod·er·at·ing, mod·er·ates

v.tr.

1. To cause to be less extreme, intense, or violent.

2. To preside over: She was chosen to moderate the convention.

v.intr.

1. To become less extreme, intense, or violent; abate.

2. To act as a moderator.

[Middle English moderat, from Latin moderātus, past participle of moderārī, to moderate; see med- in Indo-European roots.]

mod′er·ate·ly adv.

mod′er·ate·ness n.

mod′er·a′tion n.

Synonyms: moderate, qualify, temper
These verbs mean to make less extreme or intense: moderated the severity of his rebuke by remaining calm; qualified her criticism by noting some strong points; tempered my harsh comments before writing the report.

Antonym: intensify

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Adj.

moderating - lessening in intensity or strength

intensifying - increasing in strength or intensity

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References in periodicals archive

Business spending on equipment and structures was anticipated to continue to outpace the overall expansion of the economy, though the differential would tend to narrow over time in association with the gradual diminution of increases in sales and profits that was expected in conjunction with moderating economic growth.

Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee meeting held on August 19, 1997

Business spending on equipment and structures was anticipated to continue outpacing the overall expansion of the economy, though the differential would tend to narrow in association with the gradual diminution of increases in sales and profits that was expected to occur in the context of moderating economic growth.

Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee Meeting held on July 1-2, 1997

Some emphasized the reduction that had occurred in inflationary pressures, and with labor costs remaining subdued they felt that economic growth in line with current forecasts should prove compatible with moderating inflation over time.

Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee meeting held on August 22, 1995