moderation

Universal Words noun [U] 1 the quality of being reasonable and not being extreme: There was a call for moderation on the part of the trade unions. * Alcohol is usually not harmful if it is taken in moderation (= in small quantities). * Moderation in eating and drinking is the way to stay healthy. 2 (BrE) (in education) the process of making sure that the same standards are used by different people in marking exams, etc.