What does "moderately" mean?

1. (to a medium degree) to a medium extent; more than a little but less than a lot. 2. (in a controlled way) doing something in a sensible way without going to extremes.

How do you use "moderately"?

Usually placed before adjectives or adverbs to modify their intensity. Often follows the verb it modifies.

moderately

adv.

US //ˈmɑdɝətɫi// UK //mˈɒdəɹətli// mod·er·ate·ly

1 to a medium degree (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

to a medium extent; more than a little but less than a lot.

to a medium or fair degree; indicating a position on a scale that is neither extreme nor negligible.

Example

The hotel was moderately priced, so it was perfect for our budget.

Example

The results of the initial study were only moderately successful, suggesting that the treatment requires further refinement before a large-scale trial.

Usage

Usually placed before adjectives or adverbs to modify their intensity.
2 in a controlled way (adv.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

doing something in a sensible way without going to extremes.

in a moderate or temperate manner; avoiding excess or intensity in behavior or action.

Example

He exercises moderately every day to stay healthy without getting injured.

Example

The minister spoke moderately about the proposed changes, careful not to alienate the more radical members of his party.

Usage

Often follows the verb it modifies.
- temperately
- sensibly
- excessively
- immoderately

Origin

From Middle English moderately, moderatelye, moderatliche, moderatly, modiratli; equivalent to moderate + -ly.

Word family

Nounmoderation
Adjectivemoderate
Adverbmoderately