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moderate

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adjective British English pronunciation: moderate /ˈmɒd(ə)rət/

Related dictionary definitions

  1. 1
    neither very great nor very small in amount, size, strength, or degree

    Cook the spinach over a moderate heat.

    moderate increase/loss/growth:

    This month has seen a moderate increase in house prices.

  2. 2
    reasonable and avoiding extreme opinions or actions

    She was on the moderate wing of the party.

    The tone of his speech was quite moderate.

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