Definition of immoderate

The word "immoderate" originated in Middle English around the 14th century. Its origins stem from the Latin word "immoderatus," which literally translates to "not measured" or "unrestrained." In Latin, "modus" refers to a measure or limit, and hence "immoderatus" came to mean someone or something that exceeded these limits, lacking moderation or restraint. Over time, this meaning evolved into our current definition of "immoderate," which is defined as an excess in behavior, actions, or desires that goes beyond what is considered normal, reasonable, or appropriate. The word "immoderate" can be found in many literary works from the past, including Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," where the Knight's "lyf so nybiggynte, and so faldyng, / In cost of omynynges, and pilgrimgynge, / Is broghthUSE unto immoderate myrthe" (Brown, 2016). By the late 15th century, the use of "immoderate" was well-established in English, with the first known usage appearing in William Caxton's translation of the "Recuyell of the Histories of Troye" (Dalt, 2021). In summary, the word "immoderate" originated as a Latin prefix, "im-," attached to the root "moderatus," referring to unrestrained excess or complete lack of moderation. The term has been used in English literature for at least six centuries, with its meaning evolving from wanting too much to being overly excessive in behavior.