moderation

 
Pronunciation: /mɒdəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the avoidance of excess or extremes, especially in one’s behaviour or political opinions: he urged the police to show moderation
  • the action of making something less extreme, intense, or violent: the union’s approach was based on increased dialogue and the moderation of demands
  • 2British the action or process of moderating examination papers, results, or candidates: coursework may need to be filed separately for the purposes of moderation
  • (Moderations) the first public examination in some faculties for the BA degree at Oxford University: he took firsts in classical honour Moderations
  • 3 Physics the retardation of neutrons by a moderator.

Phrases

in moderation

within reasonable limits; not to excess: nuts can be eaten in moderation

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from Latin moderatio(n-), from the verb moderare 'to control' (see moderate)