English Reference
adverb

moderately

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

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

    temperatelysensibly
    excessivelyimmoderately

Usage moderately high


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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English moderately
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated