Low vs. Moderate — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
Low refers to something that is minimal in degree, position, or amount, while moderate indicates a middle or average level.
Difference Between Low and Moderate
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Low is typically used to describe something that is noticeably below average in intensity, quantity, or degree. For instance, low temperatures might refer to conditions that are significantly cooler than what is typically expected. Whereas moderate suggests a level that is neither too high nor too low, often perceived as balanced or reasonable. Moderate temperatures, therefore, imply a range that is comfortable and generally acceptable for most activities.
When discussing energy levels, low energy can imply a lack of vigor or enthusiasm, often resulting in minimal activity or engagement. On the other hand, moderate energy signifies a more balanced state of alertness and activity, which is sustainable over longer periods without leading to exhaustion.
In terms of difficulty or severity, a low level often indicates that challenges or obstacles are minimal and easily manageable. In contrast, moderate difficulty suggests a fair level of complexity that requires some effort and skill to overcome, but is not overly demanding or extreme.
In financial contexts, low income refers to earnings that are below the average needed for a standard living, often associated with economic hardship. Whereas moderate income describes earnings that provide a comfortable, though not luxurious, standard of living, covering basic needs with a little extra for discretionary spending.
In health-related assessments, low risk means there is minimal chance of negative outcomes, often leading to fewer precautions. On the other hand, moderate risk implies a noticeable but not severe likelihood of negative outcomes, warranting a balanced approach to precautions and management strategies.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Intensity
Minimal, often insufficient for needs
Sufficient without being excessive
Risk
Minimal risk, fewer precautions needed
Noticeable risk, balanced precautions
Difficulty
Easier to manage, minimal challenges
Manageable with some effort
Income
Below standard living needs
Comfortable, covers basic and extra needs
Energy Level
Lack of vigor, minimal activity
Sustainable alertness, balanced activity
Compare with Definitions
Low
Having little height or depth.
The low fence makes it easy for the pets to jump over.
Moderate
To lessen the intensity or extremeness of something.
Medication can moderate the symptoms of the illness.
Low
Feeling depressed or lacking in energy.
She felt low after receiving the sad news.
Moderate
Average in amount, intensity, or degree.
The moderate crowd at the concert made it enjoyable.
Low
Of inferior quality or status.
The low quality of this product is not worth the price.
Moderate
Acting as an intermediary or not aligning with extremes in politics or opinions.
She played a moderate role in the negotiations.
Low
Ranked at the bottom or performing poorly.
The team has been on a low streak this season.
Moderate
Reasonably priced; not expensive.
The restaurant offers moderate prices that fit our budget.
Low
Below average in amount, extent, or intensity.
He spoke in a low voice during the meeting.
Moderate
Not extreme, excessive, or intense.
He prefers a moderate pace when hiking.
Low
Having little relative height; not high or tall
A low wall.
Moderate
Being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme
A moderate price.
Low
Rising only slightly above surrounding surfaces
A low hill.
Moderate
Not violent or subject to extremes; mild or calm; temperate
A moderate climate.
Low
Near to the ground or the horizon
The low clouds threaten rain. The sun is low.
Moderate
Of medium or average quantity or extent.
Low
Situated or placed below normal height
A low lighting fixture.
Moderate
Of limited or average quality; mediocre.
Low
Situated below the surrounding surfaces
Water standing in low spots.
Moderate
Opposed to radical or extreme views or measures, especially in politics or religion.
Low
Of less than usual or average depth; shallow
The river is low.
Moderate
One who holds or champions moderate views or opinions, especially in politics or religion.
Low
Cut to show the wearer's neck and chest; décolleté
A low neckline.
Moderate
To cause to be less extreme, intense, or violent.
Low
Close or closer to a reference point
Was low in the offensive zone, near the goal.
Moderate
To preside over
She was chosen to moderate the convention.
Low
(Linguistics) Produced with part or all of the tongue depressed, as a, pronounced (ä), in father. Used of vowels.
Moderate
To become less extreme, intense, or violent; abate.
Low
Below average in degree, intensity, or amount
A low temperature.
Moderate
To act as a moderator.
Low
Below an average or a standard
Low wages.
A low level of communication.
Moderate
Not excessive; acting in moderation
Moderate language
A moderate Calvinist
Travelling at a moderate speed
Low
Ranked near the beginning of an ascending series or scale
A low number.
A low grade of oil.
Moderate
More than mild, less than severe
Low
Relating to or being latitudes nearest to the equator.
Moderate
Mediocre
Low
Relatively small. Used of a cost, price, or other value
A low fee.
A low income.
Moderate
Average priced; standard-deal
Low
Not loud; soft
A low murmur.
Moderate
Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle.
A moderate winter
Low
Having a pitch corresponding to a relatively small number of sound-wave cycles per second.
Moderate
Having an intermediate position between liberal and conservative.
Low
Below others in status or rank; lowly
Of low birth.
Moderate
One who holds an intermediate position between extremes, as in politics.
While the moderates usually propose political compromise, it's often only achieved when the extremists allow them so
The moderates are the natural advocates of ecumenism against the fanatics of their churches.
Low
Violating standards of morality or decency; base
A low stunt to pull. ].
Moderate
One of a party in Scottish Church history dominant in the 18th century, lax in doctrine and discipline, but intolerant of evangelicalism and popular rights. It caused the secessions of 1733 and 1761, and its final resultant was the Disruption of 1843.
Low
The characteristic sound uttered by cattle; a moo.
Moderate
(transitive) To reduce the excessiveness of (something)
To moderate rage, action, desires, etc.
Low
To utter the sound made by cattle; moo.
Moderate
(intransitive) To become less excessive
Low
Situated close to, or even below, the ground or another normal reference plane; not high or lofty.
Moderate
(transitive) To preside over (something) as a moderator
To moderate a synod
Low
Pertaining to (or, especially of a language: spoken in) in an area which is at a lesser elevation, closer to sea level (especially near the sea), than other regions.
The low countries
Low German
Moderate
(intransitive) To act as a moderator; to assist in bringing to compromise
Low
Below the batter's knees.
The pitch (or: the ball) was low
Moderate
To supply with a moderator substance that decreases the speed of neutrons in a nuclear reactor and hence increases likelihood of fission.
A graphite-moderated reactor
Low
Of less than normal height or upward extent or growth, or of greater than normal depth or recession; below the average or normal level from which elevation is measured.
Moderate
Kept within due bounds; observing reasonable limits; not excessive, extreme, violent, or rigorous; limited; restrained
A number of moderate members managed . . . to obtain a majority in a thin house.
Low
Low-cut.
Moderate
Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle; as, a moderate winter.
Low
Not high in status, esteem, or rank, dignity, or quality. vulgar.}}
Now that was low even for you!
Moderate
One of a party in the Church of Scotland in the 18th century, and part of the 19th, professing moderation in matters of church government, in discipline, and in doctrine.
Low
Humble, meek, not haughty.
Moderate
To restrain from excess of any kind; to reduce from a state of violence, intensity, or excess; to keep within bounds; to make temperate; to lessen; to allay; to repress; to temper; to qualify; as, to moderate rage, action, desires, etc.; to moderate heat or wind.
By its astringent quality, it moderates the relaxing quality of warm water.
To moderate stiff minds disposed to strive.
Low
Disparaging; assigning little value or excellence.
She had a low opinion of cats. He took a low view of dogs.
Moderate
To preside over, direct, or regulate, as a public meeting or a discussion; as, to moderate a synod; to moderate a debate.
Low
Being a nadir, a bottom.
The low point in her career
Moderate
To become less violent, severe, rigorous, or intense; as, the wind has moderated.
Low
Depressed in mood, dejected, sad.
Low spirits
Moderate
To preside as a moderator.
Dr. Barlow [was] engaged . . . to moderate for him in the divinity disputation.
Low
Lacking health or vitality, strength or vivacity; feeble; weak.
A low pulse
Made (or: laid) low by sickness
Moderate
A person who takes a position in the political center
Low
Small, not high (in amount or quantity, value, force, energy, etc).
My credit union charges a low interest rate.
Jogging during a whiteout, with such low temperatures and low visibility, is dangerous.
The store sold bread at low prices, and milk at even lower prices.
The contractors gave a low estimate of the costs.
Low cholesterol
A low voltage wire
A low number
Moderate
Preside over;
John moderated the discussion
Low
Having a small or comparatively smaller concentration of (a substance, which is often but not always linked by "in" when predicative).
Diets low in vitamin A
Made from low-carbon steel
Moderate
Make less fast or intense;
Moderate your speed
Low
Depleted, or nearing deletion; lacking in supply.
Running low on cash
Moderate
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
Low
Simple in complexity or development.
Low protozoan animals, low cryptogamic plants, and other low organisms
Moderate
Make less severe or harsh;
He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears
Low
Favoring simplicity (see e.g. low church, Low Tory).
Moderate
Make less strong or intense; soften;
Tone down that aggressive letter
The author finally tamed some of his potentially offensive statements
Low
(in several set phrases) Being near the equator.
The low northern latitudes
Moderate
Restrain or temper
Low
(acoustics) Grave in pitch, due to being produced by relatively slow vibrations (wave oscillations); flat.
The note was too low for her to sing.
Generally, European men have lower voices than their Indian counterparts.
Moderate
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
Low
Quiet; soft; not loud.
They spoke in low voices so I would not hear what they were saying.
Why would you want to play heavy metal at such a low volume?
Moderate
Not extreme;
A moderate penalty
Temperate in his response to criticism
Low
(phonetics) Made with a relatively large opening between the tongue and the palate; made with (part of) the tongue positioned low in the mouth, relative to the palate.
Moderate
Marked by avoidance of extravagance or extremes;
Moderate in his demands
Restrained in his response
Low
(card games) Lesser in value than other cards, denominations, suits, etc.
A low card
Low
Not rich or seasoned; offering the minimum of nutritional requirements; plain, simple.
Low
Designed for a slow (or the slowest) speed.
Low gear
Low
A low point or position, literally (as, a depth) or or figuratively (as, a nadir, a time when things are at their worst, least, minimum, etc).
You have achieved a new low in behavior, Frank.
Economic growth has hit a new low.
Unemployment has reached a ten-year low.
Low
The minimum atmospheric temperature recorded at a particular location, especially during one 24-hour period.
Today's low was 32 °F.
Low
A period of depression; a depressed mood or situation.
He is in a low right now.
The highs and lows of bipolar disorder
Low
An area of low pressure; a depression.
A deep low is centred over the British Isles.
Low
The lowest-speed gearing of a power-transmission system, especially of an automotive vehicle.
Shift out of low before the car gets to eight miles per hour.
Low
(card games) The lowest trump, usually the deuce; the lowest trump dealt or drawn.
Low
A cheap, cost-efficient, or advantageous price.
He got the brand new Yankees jersey for the low.
Low
A flame; fire; blaze.
Low
Barrow, mound, tumulus.
Low
A hill.
Low
Close to the ground.
Low
Of a pitch, at a lower frequency.
Low
With a low voice or sound; not loudly; gently.
To speak low
Low
Under the usual price; at a moderate price; cheaply.
He sold his wheat low.
Low
In a low mean condition; humbly; meanly.
Low
In a time approaching our own.
Low
(astronomy) In a path near the equator, so that the declination is small, or near the horizon, so that the altitude is small; said of the heavenly bodies with reference to the diurnal revolution.
The moon runs low, i.e. comparatively near the horizon when on or near the meridian.
Low
To lower; to make low.
Low
Inflection of laugh.
Low
(intransitive) To moo.
The cattle were lowing.
Low
To burn; to blaze.
Low
To make the calling sound of cows and other bovine animals; to moo.
The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea.
Low
To burn; to blaze.
Low
To depress; to lower.
Low
The calling sound ordinarily made by cows and other bovine animals.
Talking voices and the law of herds.
Low
A hill; a mound; a grave.
Low
Fire; a flame; a light.
Low
The lowest trump, usually the deuce; the lowest trump dealt or drawn.
Low
Occupying an inferior position or place; not high or elevated; depressed in comparison with something else; as, low ground; a low flight.
Low
Not rising to the usual height; as, a man of low stature; a low fence.
Low
Near the horizon; as, the sun is low at four o'clock in winter, and six in summer.
Low
Sunk to the farthest ebb of the tide; as, low tide.
Low
Beneath the usual or remunerative rate or amount, or the ordinary value; moderate; cheap; as, the low price of corn; low wages.
Low
Not loud; as, a low voice; a low sound.
Low
Depressed in the scale of sounds; grave; as, a low pitch; a low note.
Low
Made, as a vowel, with a low position of part of the tongue in relation to the palate; as, ă (ăm), ạ (ạll). See Guide to Pronunciation, 5, 10, 11.
Low
Near, or not very distant from, the equator; as, in the low northern latitudes.
Low
Numerically small; as, a low number.
Low
Wanting strength or animation; depressed; dejected; as, low spirits; low in spirits.
Low
Depressed in condition; humble in rank; as, men of low condition; the lower classes.
Why but to keep ye low and ignorant ?
Low
Mean; vulgar; base; dishonorable; as, a person of low mind; a low trick or stratagem.
Low
Not elevated or sublime; not exalted in thought or diction; as, a low comparison.
In comparison of these divine writers, the noblest wits of the heathen world are low and dull.
Low
Submissive; humble.
Low
Deficient in vital energy; feeble; weak; as, a low pulse; made low by sickness.
Low
Moderate; not intense; not inflammatory; as, low heat; a low temperature; a low fever.
Low
Smaller than is reasonable or probable; as, a low estimate.
Low
Not rich, high seasoned, or nourishing; plain; simple; as, a low diet.
Low
In a low position or manner; not aloft; not on high; near the ground.
Low
Under the usual price; at a moderate price; cheaply; as, he sold his wheat low.
Low
In a low or mean condition; humbly; meanly.
Low
In time approaching our own.
In that part of the world which was first inhabited, even as low down as Abraham's time, they wandered with their flocks and herds.
Low
With a low voice or sound; not loudly; gently; as, to speak low.
The . . . odorous windBreathes low between the sunset and the moon.
Low
With a low musical pitch or tone.
Can sing both high and low.
Low
In subjection, poverty, or disgrace; as, to be brought low by oppression, by want, or by vice.
Low
In a path near the equator, so that the declination is small, or near the horizon, so that the altitude is small; - said of the heavenly bodies with reference to the diurnal revolution; as, the moon runs low, that is, is comparatively near the horizon when on or near the meridian.
Low
An air mass of lower pressure; often brings precipitation;
A low moved in over night bringing sleet and snow
Low
British political cartoonist (born in New Zealand) who created the character Colonel Blimp (1891-1963)
Low
A low level or position or degree;
The stock market fell to a new low
Low
The lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle; used to start a car moving
Low
Make a low noise, characteristic of bovines
Low
Less than normal in degree or intensity or amount;
Low prices
The reservoire is low
Low
Literal meanings; being at or having a relatively small elevation or upward extension;
Low ceilings
Low clouds
Low hills
The sun is low
Low furniture
A low bow
Low
Very low in volume;
A low murmur
The low-toned murmur of the surf
Low
Unrefined in character;
Low comedy
Low
Used of sounds and voices; low in pitch or frequency
Low
Of the most contemptible kind;
Abject cowardice
A low stunt to pull
A low-down sneak
His miserable treatment of his family
You miserable skunk!
A scummy rabble
A scurvy trick
Low
Low or inferior in station or quality;
A humble cottage
A lowly parish priest
A modest man of the people
Small beginnings
Low
No longer sufficient;
Supplies are low
Our funds are depleted
Low
Subdued or brought low in condition or status;
Brought low
A broken man
His broken spirit
Low
Low in spirits;
Lonely and blue in a strange city
Depressed by the loss of his job
A dispirited and resigned expression on her face
Downcast after his defeat
Feeling discouraged and downhearted
Low
Being the gear producing the lowest drive speed;
Use first gear on steep hills
Low
In a low position; near the ground;
The branches hung low
Common Curiosities
How is "moderate" used to describe views or opinions?
Moderate views or opinions are generally centered, avoiding extreme positions.
Can "low" and "moderate" be used interchangeably in risk assessments?
No, low and moderate imply different levels of risk and thus require different levels of caution.
What does moderate intensity mean in exercise?
Moderate intensity in exercise refers to activities that raise the heart rate to 50-70% of its maximum.
What constitutes a low temperature in weather?
Low temperatures in weather are those that fall significantly below what is typical for a region or season.
How does a low setting affect appliance performance?
On a low setting, appliances operate at minimal capacity, often conserving energy but performing slowly.
What does a moderate pace mean in running?
A moderate pace in running is comfortably challenging but sustainable, often used in longer races or training sessions.
What does "low" typically imply in measurements?
Low implies measurements that are significantly below the standard or expected value.
What are moderate political beliefs?
Moderate political beliefs involve taking a middle ground, often advocating for compromise between extremes.
Is it better to have a low or moderate level of stress?
It is generally healthier to maintain a moderate level of stress, which can motivate without overwhelming.
What is considered a low income?
Low income is considered as earnings that are insufficient to meet the standard cost of living.
Can foods have low or moderate flavors?
Foods with low flavors are mild and subtle, whereas moderate flavors offer a more balanced taste without being overpowering.
How can one moderate their consumption of resources?
Moderating consumption involves using resources at a sustainable rate to avoid depletion.
Why might someone prefer low intensity workouts?
Low intensity workouts are preferred for their ease and lower risk of injury, suitable for beginners or those with health concerns.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Ananas vs. Abacaxi
Next Comparison
Scene vs. ImageAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
