gemäßigt

Gemäßigt is an adjective in German that denotes moderation or temperance. It is used to describe a middle-ground quality across different domains, including climate, politics, and everyday life. When applied to a person or stance, gemäßigt suggests pragmatism and a preference for balanced, non-extreme positions. In reference to conditions or quantities, it indicates a milder or more moderate degree.

In geography and climate, gemäßigt refers to temperate conditions, typically found in the temperate zone. A gemäßigtes Klima or gemäßigte Temperaturen describes weather that is not extreme, with seasonal variation that is not severe. The term is common in meteorology and regional descriptions of Europe, parts of Asia, and other mid-latitude regions.

In politics and discourse, eine gemäßigte Haltung or eine gemäßigte Politik signals centrism or moderation, aiming for consensus and gradual reform rather than radical change. The term is often contrasted with extreme or radikal positions and is used by media and commentators to label moderate factions or proposals.

In everyday language, gemäßigt can describe habits, tastes, or responses that are restrained or balanced, such as eine gemäßigte Lebensweise oder eine gemäßigte Reaktion auf ein Ereignis.

Etymologically, the term is linked to the German adjective mäßig (moderate) and is used in various compounds to emphasize measured, reasonable levels of intensity, climate, or opinion.