Word
moderation
Phoneticsmod·er·a·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌmɑdɝˈeɪʃən/
UK/mˌɒdəɹˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01avoiding extremes
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the habit of not doing something too much, like eating or drinking, to stay healthy or balanced.
n. the quality of being moderate; the avoidance of excess or extremes, especially in one's behavior or habits.
“The doctor told him that he could still eat chocolate, but only in moderation.”
“Practising moderation in all aspects of life is often cited by philosophers as the key to long-term happiness and stability.”
Usage
Commonly used in the prepositional phrase 'in moderation'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02managing a discussion
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing
n. the act of watching over a public discussion or an online forum to make sure people follow the rules.
n. the process of monitoring and controlling a discussion, especially on the internet, to ensure civil discourse and adherence to community guidelines.
“The website needs better moderation to stop people from posting rude comments.”
“Effective content moderation is essential for maintaining a safe environment on social media platforms where misinformation can spread rapidly.”
Usage
Often refers specifically to 'content moderation' in digital contexts.
Synonyms
03slowing down a process
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic · Formal
n. the act of making something less extreme or intense.
n. the action of making something less extreme, intense, or violent.
“We have seen a slight moderation in house prices over the last few months.”
“Economists noted a moderation in inflation rates, suggesting that the central bank's recent policy changes were beginning to take effect.”
Usage
Frequently used in economic or meteorological contexts to describe a decrease in intensity.
Antonyms
04nuclear physics
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the process of slowing down tiny particles called neutrons in a nuclear reactor.
n. the reduction of the speed of neutrons in a nuclear reactor using a specific substance to sustain a chain reaction.
“Water is often used for neutron moderation in these types of power plants.”
“The efficiency of the reactor depends heavily on the precise moderation of neutron speeds to maintain a stable nuclear fission process.”
Usage
Uncountable in this scientific sense.
Real-World Examples
“Ads on Meta's platforms are only published after first being approved by its moderation technology.” “It could probably be best described as drinking more frequently, but in moderation.” “Much of the existing research focuses on adult populations and reactive moderation measures, leaving a poor understanding of how young people experience harmful behavior and how it might be prevented.” Etymology
From Middle French [Term?], from Old French moderacion, from Latin moderātiō. Morphologically moderate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/moderation