degree, level, grade - a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality; "a moderate degree of intelligence"; "a high level of care is required"; "it is all a matter of degree"

golden mean - the middle between extremes

reasonableness - moderation in expectations; "without greater reasonableness by both parties we will never settle this matter!"

alteration, change, modification - an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another; "the change was intended to increase sales"; "this storm is certainly a change for the worse"; "the neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago"

disembarrassment - something that extricates you from embarrassment

breath of fresh air - a welcome relief; "the new management was like a breath of fresh air"

natural virtue - (scholasticism) one of the four virtues (prudence and justice and fortitude and temperance) derived from nature

restraint, control - discipline in personal and social activities; "he was a model of polite restraint"; "she never lost control of herself"

sobriety - moderation in or abstinence from alcohol or drugs

abstemiousness - moderation in eating and drinking

reduction, step-down, diminution, decrease - the act of decreasing or reducing something

abatement - the act of abating; "laws enforcing noise abatement"