moderator
moderator — noun
1. a person who guides discussions between people or groups who disagree, helping t
a person who guides discussions between people or groups who disagree, helping them find a solution that everyone can accept.
Ari acted as moderator when the two sides could not agree on the contract terms.
act as moderator — common verb collocation
The company hired a professional moderator to handle the conflict between unhappy workers.
professional moderator — adjective + noun pattern
Baraka served as the moderator during the difficult merger negotiations between both companies.
Renata has worked as a labour dispute moderator for over ten years.
Shanti helped as a moderator when the neighbours argued about the fence between their houses.
- mediator
more neutral term; focuses on bringing parties together rather than guiding discussion
- arbitrator
stronger role; can make binding decisions, unlike a moderator who only facilitates
- facilitator
broader term; helps a group work together but not necessarily between opposing sides
- conciliator
emphasises restoring goodwill and relationships between angry parties
- agitator
someone who stirs up conflict rather than resolving it
文法句型
moderator + of + [noun phrase]
用法筆記
Frequently used in formal or professional contexts such as labour disputes, business negotiations, or family mediation. The moderator stays neutral and does not favour either side. Distinguish from sense 2 (CHAIR A DEBATE), where the focus is on procedure rather than reaching agreement.
常見錯誤
2. a person who controls a formal discussion or debate, ensuring that participants
a person who controls a formal discussion or debate, ensuring that participants follow the rules and that the event stays on schedule.
The moderator called on each candidate to speak for exactly two minutes.
moderator + call on [someone] to [do something]
Nellie volunteered to be the moderator for the school's debating competition.
volunteer to be moderator for [event]
Tariq is a skilled moderator who keeps panel discussions running on schedule.
The conference moderator reminded everyone to keep their questions short and clear.
Without a moderator, the town hall meeting quickly turned into shouting.
- chairperson
more general term for the person leading a meeting, not specific to debates
- facilitator
less formal; can be used for both debates and collaborative discussions
文法句型
moderator + of + [event]
moderator + for + [organisation]
用法筆記
Common in academic conferences, political debates, panel discussions, and public meetings. The role is procedural — the moderator controls the flow and timing but does not judge the content or take sides. Distinguish from sense 1 (MEDIATE DISPUTES), where the aim is reaching agreement between opposing parties.
常見錯誤
3. a person who checks messages in an online discussion group or social media page,
a person who checks messages in an online discussion group or social media page, removing anything that breaks the rules of that community.
The forum moderator removed several comments that contained personal attacks.
forum moderator removes [content]
Hiro works as a moderator for a large gaming community with thousands of members.
works as moderator for [online group]
When Talia posted something inappropriate, the moderator warned her privately.
The social media moderator reported the account after it broke the platform rules.
Each online group needs at least one moderator to keep conversations respectful.
- administrator
broader role with more technical control over the site, not just content moderation
- community manager
more formal position that often includes moderation plus engagement and growth tasks
- mod
informal shortening, very common in gaming and online communities
- troll
someone who posts deliberately offensive or provocative content online
文法句型
moderator + of + [online community]
用法筆記
The most frequent everyday sense in modern English. Often shortened to 'mod' in informal contexts (e.g., 'He is a mod on that server'). Common on social media platforms, forums, chat rooms, and gaming communities. Actions include removing posts, banning users, and warning members who break rules.
常見錯誤
4. a person whose role is to check that examination papers are graded consistently
a person whose role is to check that examination papers are graded consistently across different groups of students or different markers.
The moderator checked that all teachers used the same scoring guide for essays.
moderator checked that [standards] were consistent
As exam moderator, Marco reviewed grading samples from each marker.
The school appointed a moderator to ensure fair marking across all exam papers.
Christopher's job as moderator involved comparing marked papers from different classrooms.
The examination board sent a moderator to observe how the tests were being graded.
文法句型
moderator + for + [exam/examination]
用法筆記
Primarily used in education systems, especially in the UK and Commonwealth countries. Unlike a marker who gives grades, the moderator checks the quality and consistency of grading across the whole examination. This sense is quite formal and less likely to appear in everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
5. a person elected to lead the governing body of certain Christian churches, espec
a person elected to lead the governing body of certain Christian churches, especially Presbyterian ones, overseeing major decisions and meetings.
The church moderator opened the annual meeting with a prayer and welcome speech.
church moderator opened [event] with [action]
Amelia was elected moderator of the Presbyterian council for a three-year term.
elected moderator of [church body] — electoral collocation
The moderator met with local ministers to discuss the new community outreach plan.
As moderator of the church assembly, Stephanie oversaw the vote on the budget.
The church's moderator visited several congregations to hear their concerns firsthand.
- president of the church council
describes the same role in more general terms
- presiding officer
more formal term for the person who leads a church assembly
文法句型
moderator + of + [church body/council]
用法筆記
Limited to Presbyterian and some Reformed Protestant church traditions. Not used in Catholic, Orthodox, or most mainstream Protestant denominations. The moderator is typically an ordained minister elected for a fixed term and acts as the head of the church's council or assembly.