What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
attemper
Example
The chef had to attemper the spices in the dish to ensure it wasn't too spicy. [attemper: verb]
Example
She tried to attemper her emotions before speaking to him. [attempering: gerund or present participle]
moderate
Example
He tries to moderate his caffeine intake to avoid feeling jittery. [moderate: verb]
Example
The weather was moderate, neither too hot nor too cold. [moderate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Moderate is more commonly used than attemper in everyday language. Moderate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while attemper is less common and has a more specific usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between attemper and moderate?
While attemper is more formal and less commonly used in informal conversations, moderate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.