verb
moderate
To lead and guide a discussion.
A teacher moderates the discussion so everyone has a chance to speak.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to regulate or keep within bounds. Moderating a discussion applies that guiding role to speakers and the course of their exchange.
More examples
- The library invited me to moderate a panel of local authors.
- A journalist moderated the debate between the two candidates.
- While moderating the meeting, she kept the conversation on topic.
Forms
moderate · moderates · moderated · moderating
moderator noun — A person who leads and guides discussions.
Similar words
- chair
- Emphasizes presiding over a meeting and managing its agenda.
- facilitate
- Emphasizes helping discussion proceed smoothly without necessarily presiding over it.