# moderation

/ˌmɑdɝˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /mˌɒdəɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/moderation
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. avoiding extremes

noun · CEFR B2

the habit of not doing something too much, like eating or drinking, to stay healthy or balanced.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. managing a discussion

noun · CEFR B2

the act of watching over a public discussion or an online forum to make sure people follow the rules.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. slowing down a process

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

the act of making something less extreme or intense.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. nuclear physics

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the process of slowing down tiny particles called neutrons in a nuclear reactor.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- You can eat sweets, but only in moderation.
- The doctor advised her that while coffee is fine, she should drink it in moderation to avoid sleep issues.
- The philosopher argued that the key to a fulfilling life was moderation in all things, avoiding both the misery of deprivation and the chaos of overindulgence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.