modérer

Modérer is a French verb meaning to moderate, temper, restrain, or regulate. It is used in a wide range of contexts, from physical control of a process (modérer la vitesse, modérer le feu) to behavioral restraint (modérer ses propos) and to limiting or balancing conditions (modérer l’inflation, modérer un débit). The reflexive form se modérer is used when the subject restrains itself.

Etymology and conjugation: Modérer comes from Latin moderari, related to moderus or modus, meaning measure or proportion. It is a regular -er verb, so its forms follow the standard pattern: present tense je modère, tu modères, il modère, nous modérons, vous modérez, ils modèrent; passé composé j’ai modéré; imperfect je modérais; future je modérerai. The subjunctive presents as que je modère, que tu modères, qu’il modère, etc. The imperative is modère, modérons, modérez. The past participle is modéré, and there are related forms such as modération (noun), modérateur/modératrice (moderator), and modération (moderation, temperance). Adverbs include modérément.

Usage and nuances: Modérer often implies deliberate control or restraint rather than outright removal. It can refer to physical regulation (modérer le volume), political or social moderation (modérer un débat), or personal conduct (se modérer dans ses propos). In digital or organizational contexts, a modérateur is responsible for moderating discussions and maintaining rules, while la modération describes the process or policy.

Related terms: synonyms include tempérer, atténuer, limiter; opposite notions include amplifier or exacerber. The noun modération carries connotations of balance and restraint, often framed as a virtue in discourse and policy.