What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
moderate
Example
She has a moderate approach to politics. [moderate: adjective]
Example
I try to eat a moderate amount of sweets. [moderate: noun]
Example
The weather was moderate, not too hot or cold. [moderate: adjective]
tolerable
Example
The food was tolerable, but not very tasty. [tolerable: adjective]
Example
The noise from the construction site was tolerable during the day. [tolerable: adjective]
Example
The doctor said the pain would be tolerable with medication. [tolerable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tolerable is less commonly used than moderate in everyday language. Moderate is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while tolerable is more specific and limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between moderate and tolerable?
Both moderate and tolerable are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.