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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. 3. 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. n. One who holds or champions moderate views or opinions, especially in politics or religion. v. (mŏdə-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 the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] moder·ate·ly adv. moder·ate·ness n. mod′er·ation 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 |
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