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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.
Moderately vs. Moderate — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Moderately and Moderate

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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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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj 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 Rafique
Fiza 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.

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