As an adjective, moderate means not too much and not too little, staying within reasonable limits. As a verb, to moderate means to make something less extreme or to guide a discussion so it stays fair and orderly.
From Latin “moderatus,” meaning “kept within measure, restrained,” from “moderari,” “to regulate, control.” It is related to “modus,” meaning “measure” or “manner.”
Moderate is all about the ‘middle’—it’s linguistically tied to measuring and holding back. That’s why it shows up in politics, climate talk, and even content moderation: everywhere people try to keep extremes in check.
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