Moderately vs. Somewhat — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 30, 2024
Moderately indicates a medium level or degree, suggesting a more substantial impact or quality, while somewhat is used to express a lesser or slight degree.
Difference Between Moderately and Somewhat
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Moderately refers to a medium degree of intensity, quantity, or quality in various contexts, indicating something is neither too much nor too little. On the other hand, somewhat is used to indicate a lower degree of intensity, often suggesting just a bit or slightly.
Moderately is often used in contexts where the degree of impact or quality needs to be clearly stated as being average or reasonable. Whereas somewhat serves to downplay or imply a lesser significance, often used to moderate a statement subtly.
In terms of usage, moderately can imply a closer step towards the upper middle of a scale, such as in "moderately expensive" suggesting a price that is not cheap but not excessively high. On the other hand, somewhat, as in "somewhat expensive," implies a lower level of cost, though still above average.
When describing effort or extent, saying something is done "moderately well" conveys that it meets expectations to a reasonable degree, while describing it as done "somewhat well" might suggest it meets the expectations to a lesser extent.
Moderately also carries a connotation of balance and often aligns with scientific, health, or technical descriptions, such as "moderately active." In contrast, somewhat is more flexible and subjective, often appearing in everyday, informal language to slightly qualify a statement without defining it strictly.
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Comparison Chart
Degree
Medium, average
Less, slight
Connotation
Balanced, reasonable
Less significant, mild
Common Usage
"Moderately priced," "moderately successful"
"Somewhat interesting," "somewhat new"
Implication
Closer to upper middle, significant but not extreme
Less intense, not fully developed or achieved
Context Suitability
More formal, scientific, precise contexts
More informal, subjective, versatile contexts
Compare with Definitions
Moderately
To a moderate degree or extent.
The conference was moderately attended.
Somewhat
Slightly, in a mild manner.
The room was somewhat dimly lit.
Moderately
At a medium level of intensity.
She exercises moderately to stay fit.
Somewhat
Not completely or fully.
The task was somewhat difficult.
Moderately
Not extreme, within reasonable limits.
His views are moderately conservative.
Somewhat
Less than completely.
His answer was somewhat correct.
Moderately
Fairly good; adequate.
The film was moderately entertaining.
Somewhat
To a small degree or extent.
He was somewhat disappointed with the results.
Moderately
Priced neither too high nor too low.
The restaurant is moderately priced.
Somewhat
A bit, indicating a mild degree of a quality.
She's somewhat famous in her field.
Moderately
To a certain extent; quite; fairly
The event was moderately successful
Somewhat
To some extent or degree; rather.
Moderately
Being within reasonable limits; not excessive or extreme
A moderate price.
Somewhat
To a limited extent or degree; not completely.
The crowd was somewhat larger than expected, perhaps due to the good weather.
The decision to shave or not is a somewhat personal
Moderately
Not violent or subject to extremes; mild or calm; temperate
A moderate climate.
Somewhat
Very.
Moderately
Of medium or average quantity or extent.
Somewhat
(archaic) Something.
Moderately
Of limited or average quality; mediocre.
Somewhat
More or less; a certain quantity or degree; a part, more or less; something.
Moderately
Opposed to radical or extreme views or measures, especially in politics or religion.
Somewhat
A person or thing of importance; a somebody.
Moderately
One who holds or champions moderate views or opinions, especially in politics or religion.
Somewhat
More or less; a certain quantity or degree; a part, more or less; something.
These salts have somewhat of a nitrous taste.
Somewhat of his good sense will suffer, in this transfusion, and much of the beauty of his thoughts will be lost.
Moderately
To cause to be less extreme, intense, or violent.
Somewhat
A person or thing of importance; a somebody.
Here come those that worship me.They think that I am somewhat.
Moderately
To preside over
She was chosen to moderate the convention.
Somewhat
In some degree or measure; a little.
His giantship is gone, somewhat crestfallen.
Somewhat back from the village street.
Moderately
To become less extreme, intense, or violent; abate.
Somewhat
To a small degree or extent;
His arguments were somewhat self-contradictory
The children argued because one slice of cake was slightly larger than the other
Moderately
To act as a moderator.
Somewhat
To a moderately sufficient extent or degree;
The shoes are priced reasonably
He is fairly clever with computers
They lived comfortably within reason
Moderately
In a moderate manner.
During the debate, they disagreed plainly, but moderately.
Moderately
To a moderate extent or degree.
They were at least moderately happy with their bonuses.
Moderately
In a moderate manner or degree; to a moderate extent.
Each nymph but moderately fair.
Moderately
To a moderately sufficient extent or degree;
The shoes are priced reasonably
He is fairly clever with computers
They lived comfortably within reason
Moderately
In a moderate manner;
He drinks moderately
Common Curiosities
What does moderately mean in everyday language?
Moderately means to a medium extent, not too much or too little.
Can somewhat and moderately be used interchangeably?
They can sometimes be used interchangeably, but somewhat usually implies a lesser degree than moderately.
Is moderately a stronger term than somewhat?
Yes, moderately is typically perceived as stronger or more substantial than somewhat.
Can I use somewhat and moderately in academic writing?
Yes, both can be used in academic writing, but moderately might be preferable in more formal or precise contexts.
How do moderately and somewhat impact the tone of a statement?
Moderately often makes a statement sound more balanced and significant, whereas somewhat tends to downplay the intensity.
What is the difference in connotation between somewhat and moderately?
Moderately carries a connotation of more balance and significance, while somewhat is more about slightness and lesser degrees.
Can the use of somewhat and moderately change perceptions?
Yes, the choice between these words can influence how listeners perceive the degree of what's being discussed.
Where is it more appropriate to use somewhat?
In casual conversation or when the precise degree is not critical.
How do the terms affect the clarity of communication?
Moderately provides clearer communication about the degree, whereas somewhat is vaguer and more subjective.
In what contexts would you prefer to use moderately?
In scientific, health-related, or when more precise measurements are needed.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
