MODERATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does moderation mean? 

• MODERATION (noun)
  The noun MODERATION has 4 senses:

1. quality of being moderate and avoiding extremes

2. a change for the better

3. the trait of avoiding excesses

4. the action of lessening in severity or intensity

  Familiarity information: MODERATION used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• MODERATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Quality of being moderate and avoiding extremes

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

moderateness; moderation

Hypernyms ("moderation" is a kind of...):

degree; grade; level (a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality)

Attribute:

moderate (being within reasonable or average limits; not excessive or extreme)

immoderate (beyond reasonable limits)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "moderation"):

golden mean (the middle between extremes)

reasonableness (moderation in expectations)

Antonym:

immoderation (the quality of being excessive and lacking in moderation)

Derivation:

moderate (make less fast or intense)

moderate (make less strong or intense; soften)

moderate (lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A change for the better

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural events

Synonyms:

easing; moderation; relief

Hypernyms ("moderation" is a kind of...):

alteration; change; modification (an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "moderation"):

disembarrassment (something that extricates you from embarrassment)

breath of fresh air (a welcome relief)

Sense 3

Meaning:

The trait of avoiding excesses

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Synonyms:

moderation; temperance

Hypernyms ("moderation" is a kind of...):

natural virtue ((scholasticism) one of the four virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance) derived from nature)

control; restraint (discipline in personal and social activities)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "moderation"):

dryness; sobriety (moderation in or abstinence from alcohol or other drugs)

abstemiousness (moderation in eating and drinking)

Derivation:

moderationist (a moderate drinker (as opposed to a total abstainer))

Sense 4

Meaning:

The action of lessening in severity or intensity

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

mitigation; moderation

Context example:

the object being control or moderation of economic depressions

Hypernyms ("moderation" is a kind of...):

decrease; diminution; reduction; step-down (the act of decreasing or reducing something)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "moderation"):

abatement (the act of abating)

Derivation:

moderate (make less severe or harsh)

 Context examples 

I had desired it with an ardour that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart.

(Frankenstein, by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley)

We cannot have two Agathas, and we must have one Cottager's wife; and I am sure I set her the example of moderation myself in being satisfied with the old Butler.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Whatever be his pursuits, his eagerness in them should know no moderation, and leave him no sense of fatigue.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

It did not accord with the rationality of plan, the moderation in expense, or even the unselfish warmth of heart, which she had believed herself to discern in him yesterday.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

“As with other dietary components, I like to tell people moderation is the key if one finds it hard to completely cut something out of their diet,” Hoffmann said in a statement.

(Artificial Sweeteners Can Still Lead to Obesity, Diabetes, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

This, and the resumption of my ring, as well as of the bear's grease in moderation, are the last marks I can discern, now, in my progress to seventeen.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

I felt a conscientious solicitude for Adele's welfare and progress, and a quiet liking for her little self: just as I cherished towards Mrs. Fairfax a thankfulness for her kindness, and a pleasure in her society proportionate to the tranquil regard she had for me, and the moderation of her mind and character.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

By taking steps toward healthy living, you can help reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and other serious diseases: • Get the screening tests you need • Maintain a healthy weight • Eat a variety of healthy foods, and limit calories and saturated fat • Be physically active • Control your blood pressure and cholesterol • Don't smoke • Protect yourself from too much sun • Drink alcohol in moderation, or don't drink at all

(Healthy Living, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality)

Everything indeed relative to this important journey was done, on the part of the Morlands, with a degree of moderation and composure, which seemed rather consistent with the common feelings of common life, than with the refined susceptibilities, the tender emotions which the first separation of a heroine from her family ought always to excite.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

While Lady Elliot lived, there had been method, moderation, and economy, which had just kept him within his income; but with her had died all such right-mindedness, and from that period he had been constantly exceeding it.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)