Moderate

(45), a. [Lat. moderātus, p. p. of moderāre, It. moderato, Sp. moderado, Fr. modéré.] Kept within due bounds; observing reasonable limits; not excessive, extreme, violent, or rigorous; limited; restrained; as, (a.) Limited in quantity; sparing; temperate; frugal; as, moderate in eating or drinking; a moderate table. (b.) Limited in degree of activity, energy, or excitement; reasonable; calm; as, moderate language; moderate endeavors. (c.) Not extreme in opinion, in partisanship, and the like; as, a moderate Calvinist.

A number of moderate members managed . . . to obtain a majority in a thin house. Swift.

(d.) Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle; as, moderate weather; a moderate winter; moderate heat or cold. “Moderate showers.” Walter. (e.) Limited as to degree of progress; as, to travel at moderate speed. (f.) Limited as to attainments in knowledge, &c.; as, a man of moderate abilities.

[imp. & p. p. MODERATED; p. pr. & vb. n. MODERATING.] [Lat. moderare, moderatum, from modus, It. moderare, Sp. & Pr. moderar, Fr. modérer. See MODE.] 1. To restrain from excess of any kind; to reduce from a state of violence; to keep within bounds; to make temperate; to lessen; to allay; to repress; to temper; to qualify; as, to moderate rage, action, desires, &c.; to moderate heat or wind. By its astringent quality, it moderates the relaxing quality of warm water. Arbuthnot. 2. To preside over, direct, or regulate, as a public meeting; as, to moderate a town-meeting. [U. S. and rare.]

v. i. 1. To become less violent, severe, rigorous, or intense. 2. To preside as a moderator. [U. S.] Syn.—To regulate; mitigate; temper; qualify; repress; abate; lessen; allay; still; appease; pacify; quiet.

n. (Eccl. Hist.) One of a certain party which arose in the church of Scotland in the early part of the eighteenth century, and who professed moderation in matters of church government, in discipline, and in doctrine.