Moderately vs. Moderate — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 5, 2024
Moderately emphasizes the extent or degree to which something is done, suggesting a balanced approach, while moderate describes the intensity or degree of something, often implying a middle ground or avoidance of extremes.
Difference Between Moderately and Moderate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Moderately is an adverb that describes the manner or degree in which an action is performed, suggesting that it is done to a reasonable or average extent. It implies a level of restraint or avoidance of excess. On the other hand, moderate, used as an adjective, characterizes something's intensity, quantity, or quality, typically indicating that it is not extreme, excessive, or severe. It often describes conditions, behaviors, or elements that are considered balanced or within a middle range.
When someone acts moderately, they are engaging in behavior that avoids extremes, favoring a more measured and controlled approach. This can apply to various activities, including eating, spending, and expressing emotions. Whereas, something described as moderate in terms of weather, difficulty, or price, suggests it is neither too much nor too little, but rather, within a reasonable and manageable range.
Moderately can also refer to the frequency or extent of actions or behaviors, indicating that they are done with moderation or within limits considered socially acceptable or healthy. For example, consuming alcohol moderately. In contrast, moderate can be used to describe the level of agreement or intensity of opinions, suggesting a position that is not overly committed to any extreme viewpoint or ideology.
In the context of discussions or debates, speaking moderately implies conveying one's points with temperance and consideration for balance, often aiming to avoid offense or confrontation. On the other hand, a moderate opinion or stance is characterized by its avoidance of radical extremes, often embodying compromise or a middle path in ideological or political matters.
While moderately can apply to the manner in which qualities like speed, volume, or effort are applied, suggesting they are kept within a reasonable or acceptable range, moderate can specifically qualify these qualities themselves, indicating they are inherently not excessive or extreme. For example, a moderate pace or volume.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective
Meaning
To a moderate extent or degree; not excessively.
Average in amount, intensity, quality, or degree.
Usage in Sentences
E.g., She drinks coffee moderately.
E.g., He has a moderate appetite.
Contexts
Often used to describe behavior or actions.
Used to describe characteristics, conditions, or qualities.
Connotation
Implies a balanced approach or restraint.
Indicates a middle-range position or condition.
Compare with Definitions
Moderately
To a moderate extent or degree; not excessively.
She exercises moderately to maintain her health.
Moderate
Not extreme or excessive; within a middle range.
She prefers a moderate climate, not too hot or cold.
Moderately
In a measured or controlled manner.
Speak moderately to avoid escalating the argument.
Moderate
Acting as a moderating force or influence.
The mediator's moderate approach helped resolve the conflict.
Moderately
Reasonably; in a way that is considered acceptable by most.
The movie was moderately entertaining but not memorable.
Moderate
Exhibiting moderation or temperance.
His moderate drinking habits are part of his healthy lifestyle.
Moderately
With restraint; avoiding extremes or excess.
He spends his money moderately, saving for future needs.
Moderate
Average in amount, intensity, quality, or degree.
He lives a life of moderate luxury, enjoying comforts without extravagance.
Moderately
To a certain extent but not too much; fairly.
The conference was moderately well-attended despite the bad weather.
Moderate
Reasonably small or limited in quantity or degree.
The hike was of moderate difficulty, suitable for most beginners.
Moderately
To a certain extent; quite; fairly
The event was moderately successful
Moderate
Being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme
A moderate price.
Moderately
Being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme
A moderate price.
Moderate
Not violent or subject to extremes; mild or calm; temperate
A moderate climate.
Moderately
Not violent or subject to extremes; mild or calm; temperate
A moderate climate.
Moderate
Of medium or average quantity or extent.
Moderately
Of medium or average quantity or extent.
Moderate
Of limited or average quality; mediocre.
Moderately
Of limited or average quality; mediocre.
Moderate
Opposed to radical or extreme views or measures, especially in politics or religion.
Moderately
Opposed to radical or extreme views or measures, especially in politics or religion.
Moderate
One who holds or champions moderate views or opinions, especially in politics or religion.
Moderately
One who holds or champions moderate views or opinions, especially in politics or religion.
Moderate
To cause to be less extreme, intense, or violent.
Moderately
To cause to be less extreme, intense, or violent.
Moderate
To preside over
She was chosen to moderate the convention.
Moderately
To preside over
She was chosen to moderate the convention.
Moderate
To become less extreme, intense, or violent; abate.
Moderately
To become less extreme, intense, or violent; abate.
Moderate
To act as a moderator.
Moderately
To act as a moderator.
Moderate
Not excessive; acting in moderation
Moderate language
A moderate Calvinist
Travelling at a moderate speed
Moderately
In a moderate manner.
During the debate, they disagreed plainly, but moderately.
Moderate
More than mild, less than severe
Moderately
To a moderate extent or degree.
They were at least moderately happy with their bonuses.
Moderate
Mediocre
Moderately
In a moderate manner or degree; to a moderate extent.
Each nymph but moderately fair.
Moderate
Average priced; standard-deal
Moderately
To a moderately sufficient extent or degree;
The shoes are priced reasonably
He is fairly clever with computers
They lived comfortably within reason
Moderate
Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle.
A moderate winter
Moderately
In a moderate manner;
He drinks moderately
Moderate
Having an intermediate position between liberal and conservative.
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.
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.
Moderate
(transitive) To reduce the excessiveness of (something)
To moderate rage, action, desires, etc.
Moderate
(intransitive) To become less excessive
Moderate
(transitive) To preside over (something) as a moderator
To moderate a synod
Moderate
(intransitive) To act as a moderator; to assist in bringing to compromise
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
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.
Moderate
Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle; as, a moderate winter.
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.
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.
Moderate
To preside over, direct, or regulate, as a public meeting or a discussion; as, to moderate a synod; to moderate a debate.
Moderate
To become less violent, severe, rigorous, or intense; as, the wind has moderated.
Moderate
To preside as a moderator.
Dr. Barlow [was] engaged . . . to moderate for him in the divinity disputation.
Moderate
A person who takes a position in the political center
Moderate
Preside over;
John moderated the discussion
Moderate
Make less fast or intense;
Moderate your speed
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
Moderate
Make less severe or harsh;
He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears
Moderate
Make less strong or intense; soften;
Tone down that aggressive letter
The author finally tamed some of his potentially offensive statements
Moderate
Restrain or temper
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
Moderate
Not extreme;
A moderate penalty
Temperate in his response to criticism
Moderate
Marked by avoidance of extravagance or extremes;
Moderate in his demands
Restrained in his response
Common Curiosities
Is moderately positive or negative?
Moderately is neutral; it suggests balance or a middle ground rather than a value judgment.
How can a weather condition be described as moderate?
A weather condition described as moderate is neither too hot nor too cold, but comfortably in the middle.
Can someone have a moderate opinion?
Yes, someone can have a moderate opinion, which means their views are not extreme and tend to be centrist or balanced.
What is the difference between moderately and moderately?
Moderately is an adverb describing how an action is performed, while moderate is an adjective describing the nature or quality of something.
How does one live a moderate lifestyle?
Living a moderate lifestyle involves balance and avoiding extremes in behaviors like eating, spending, and exercising.
What does it mean to moderately increase something?
To moderately increase something means to raise it by a reasonable or manageable amount.
What does it mean to do something moderately?
Doing something moderately means engaging in an activity to a reasonable extent, without excess or extremes.
Can a book be moderately interesting?
Yes, a book can be moderately interesting if it holds some appeal but is not exceptionally captivating.
Can food be described as moderately spicy?
Yes, food can be described as moderately spicy if it has a balanced level of spice, not too mild or too hot.
Is moderate always a positive descriptor?
Moderate is generally positive, suggesting balance, but context matters; in some cases, more intensity might be preferred.
Can a person be described as moderate?
Yes, a person can be described as moderate if they often choose a balanced approach or hold centrist views.
Is it good to exercise moderately?
Yes, it is often recommended to exercise moderately for health benefits and to avoid injury.
Can a debate be moderate?
A debate can be described as moderate if it maintains a respectful tone and avoids extreme positions.
How does moderation affect lifestyle?
Moderation can lead to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle by avoiding excess and fostering well-being.
What is the importance of being moderate in consumption?
Being moderate in consumption is important for maintaining health, financial stability, and environmental sustainability.
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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.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
