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Moderate vs Gradual - What's the difference?

moderate | gradual |

As adjectives the difference between moderate and gradual

is that moderate is not excessive; acting in moderation while gradual is proceeding by steps or small degrees; advancing step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow.

As nouns the difference between moderate and gradual

is that moderate is one who holds an intermediate position between extremes, as in politics while gradual is (roman catholic church) an antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.

As a verb moderate

is to reduce the excessiveness of (something).

moderate

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Not excessive; acting in moderation
  • moderate language
    a moderate Calvinist
    travelling at a moderate speed
  • * Jonathan Swift
  • A number of moderate members managed to obtain a majority in a thin house.
  • Mediocre
  • Average priced; standard-deal
  • Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle.
  • a moderate winter
  • * Walter
  • moderate showers
  • (US, politics) Having an intermediate position between liberal and conservative.
  • Derived terms

    * moderately * moderateness

    Synonyms

    * See also * See also

    Noun

    (wikipedia moderate) (en noun)
  • One who holds an intermediate position between extremes, as in politics.
  • ''While the moderates usually propose political compromise, it's often only achieved when the extremists allow them so
    The moderates are the natural advocates of ecumenism against the fanatics of their churches.

    Verb

    (moderat)
  • To reduce the excessiveness of (something)
  • to moderate rage, action, desires, etc.
  • * Arbuthnot
  • By its astringent quality, it moderates the relaxing quality of warm water.
  • * Spenser
  • To moderate stiff minds disposed to strive.
  • To become less excessive
  • To preside over (something) as a moderator
  • to moderate a synod
  • To act as a moderator; to assist in bringing to compromise
  • Synonyms

    * (reduce excesses ) temperate * (preside ) arbitrate, chair

    Derived terms

    * moderation * moderating

    References

    * * English heteronyms ----

    gradual

    English

    Alternative forms

    * graduall (obsolete)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Proceeding by steps or small degrees; advancing step by step, as in ascent or descent or from one state to another; regularly progressive; slow.
  • a gradual''' increase of knowledge; a '''gradual decline
  • * Milton
  • Creatures animate with gradual life / Of growth, sense, reason, all summed up in man.

    Synonyms

    * (l)

    Antonyms

    * sudden * abrupt

    Derived terms

    * gradually

    See also

    * (l)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (Roman Catholic Church) An antiphon or responsory after the epistle, in the Mass, which was sung on the steps, or while the deacon ascended the steps.
  • (Roman Catholic Church) A service book containing the musical portions of the Mass.