moderately
Americanadverb
-
within reasonable or proper limits; in a way that is not excessive.
Some of the more moderately priced accommodations are quite pleasingly situated.
-
to an adequate but not great extent.
We’re moderately well compensated at the factory, but it’s not going to make us rich.
-
to a mediocre degree; fairly; somewhat: moderately chilly temperatures.
moderately competent dancers;
moderately chilly temperatures.
Etymology
Origin of moderately
First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English moderatliche, moderatly; moderate ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This dire situation is projected to get only moderately better over the next year.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 30, 2026
A more realistic grading might see us talk about moderately processed, heavily processed, very heavily processed, and then ultraprocessed, or something similar.
From Slate ● Jul. 12, 2026
The Nasdaq declined as shares of SpaceX slipped on the first day of the rocket maker’s inclusion, while the Dow rose moderately,.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026
One worker said: "There is immense pressure on staff - we are mildly to moderately short-staffed all the time."
From BBC ● Jun. 16, 2026
Ms. Albright is moderately badass for a teacher.
From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
