moderate

/ˈmä-d(ə-)rət/

Middle English, from Latin moderatus, from past participle of moderare to moderate; akin to Latin modus measure

adjective

  1. avoiding extremes of behavior or expression : observing reasonable limits

  2. calm, temperate

  3. tending toward the mean or average amount or dimension

a moderate drinker

Though very much in favor of the measure, he expressed himself in moderate language.

verb

  1. to lessen the intensity or extremeness of

  2. to preside over or act as chairman of

  3. to act as a moderator

the sun moderated the chill

noun

  1. one who holds moderate views or who belongs to a group favoring a moderate course or program