moderations: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “moderations” mean?
The plural form of 'moderation', referring to the act or process of making something less extreme, intense, or severe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'moderation', referring to the act or process of making something less extreme, intense, or severe; the quality of being moderate.
Often used in specific contexts like university examinations (especially at Oxford and Cambridge) or in discussions of behaviour, consumption, or policies to denote multiple instances, practices, or periods of restraint, temperance, or reduction in intensity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is strongly associated with the British university system (Oxbridge 'Moderations' as a first public examination). In American English, the plural form is rare and typically only used in the general sense of multiple acts of restraint.
Connotations
In UK: can connote academic tradition and rigour. In US: neutral, purely descriptive of temperate behaviours.
Frequency
Far more frequent in British English due to the institutional term.
Grammar
How to Use “moderations” in a Sentence
undergo moderationsimpose moderations on [something]advocate for moderations in [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moderations” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee moderates the examination process.
- He moderates his tone when speaking to clients.
American English
- The panel moderates the debate tightly.
- She moderates her social media comments.
adverb
British English
- The speaker presented the case moderately and fairly.
- Please drink moderately.
American English
- The prices increased only moderately.
- He reacted moderately to the news.
adjective
British English
- She has a moderate climate.
- He holds moderate political views.
American English
- They reached a moderate agreement.
- We experienced moderate rainfall.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in HR contexts: 'The new policy requires moderations in overtime work.'
Academic
Primary context. 'She is reading Classics and will sit her Moderations next term.' (UK).
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used humorously or formally: 'His diet involves several strict moderations.'
Technical
Rare. Could be used in data science/content management: 'The platform applies automated content moderations.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “moderations”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “moderations”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moderations”
- Using 'moderations' as a singular noun (e.g., 'in moderations' instead of 'in moderation').
- Overusing the plural in general contexts where the uncountable singular is standard.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. The singular 'moderation' is far more common in everyday language.
Primarily within the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, referring to a set of first-year or second-year examinations, especially in Classics or other humanities subjects.
It is grammatically possible but highly formal and unusual. The phrase 'periods of moderation' or simply 'moderation' (uncountable) would be more natural.
The related verb is 'moderate'. 'Moderations' is solely a plural noun.
The plural form of 'moderation', referring to the act or process of making something less extreme, intense, or severe.
Moderations is usually formal, academic in register.
Moderations: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɒd.ərˈeɪ.ʃənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑː.dɚˈeɪ.ʃənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In moderation (phrase using the singular form).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of university MODERATORS who set and mark 'Moderations' exams.
Conceptual Metaphor
MODERATION IS A TEMPERING FORCE (cooling down heat, slowing down speed).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the plural noun 'moderations' most commonly used with a specific institutional meaning?