Etymologically
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moderatus

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Pronunciation

  • IPA (Classical): [mɔ.dɛˈraː.tʊs][1]
  • IPA (Ecclesiastical): [mo.deˈraː.tus][1]

Forms

moderātus (feminine moderāta, neuter moderātum, comparative moderātior, superlative moderātissimus); first/second-declension adjective[1]

Etymology

It is the participle of moderor “to keep within bounds”, from modus “measure”.[2][1][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The OLD's earliest citations are from Cicero, of the moderate.[2] Köbler dates Cicero 81–43 BC.[4]

Semantic evolution

It meant moderate, not excessive in size or strength, of prices low, and of things not material tempered, intermediate, as in Cicero.[2] In Cicero it also meant restrained, temperate, of people, and carefully controlled.[2]

British Medieval Latin used a noun moderātus for restraint.[5] It gave English moderate in the late 14th century, first of the weather.[3]

Timeline

  • 81–43 BC – Cicero uses it of the moderate and restrained.[2][4]
  • late 14th century – English moderate is recorded.[3]

Meanings

Adjective

  1. Moderate; of prices, low.[2]
  2. Tempered, intermediate.[2]
  3. Restrained, temperate.[2]
  4. Carefully controlled.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  3. ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
  5. ^ Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press