mõõdukas

Mõõdukas is an Estonian adjective meaning moderate or temperate in degree, amount, or intensity. It describes something that lies within reasonable limits, avoiding extremes. The term is used for behavior, quantities, pace, or climate, and it can refer to a measured, restrained approach rather than to excess. The related noun mõõdukus denotes moderation or temperance, typically in contexts of behavior or consumption.

Etymology and form: The word is formed from the stem mõõdu-, connected with the concept of measure, and the suffix -kas, which yields adjectives describing a characteristic. The noun mõõdukus corresponds to the state or quality of moderation. As an attributive adjective, mõõdukas agrees with the noun in number and case, for example: mõõdukas inimene, mõõduka inimese, mõõdukat inimest.

Usage and examples: Mõõdukas is frequently used to describe pace (mõõdukas tempo), quantity (mõõdukas hulk, mõõdukas toitumine), behavior (mõõdukas suhtumine), or climate (mõõdukas kliima). It conveys a neutral, balanced sense without implying negatively or positively, depending on context. Common collocations include moderate drinking, moderate risk, or a moderate stance (mõõdukas seisukoht).

See also: Mõõdukus, the noun form, captures the abstract idea of moderation, temperance, or restraint. In Estonian discourse, kasutamine of mõõdukas often signals a preference for balance and caution rather than extremity.