temper

1 of 2

noun

tem·per ˈtem-pər How to pronounce temper (audio)

: heat of mind or emotion : proneness to anger : passion

she has a real temper

: calmness of mind : composure

: state of feeling or frame of mind at a particular time usually dominated by a single strong emotion

: a characteristic cast of mind or state of feeling : disposition

: characteristic tone : trend

the temper of the times

: high quality of mind or spirit : courage

archaic : a suitable proportion or balance of qualities : a middle state between extremes : mean, medium

virtue is … a just temper between propensities

T. B. Macaulay

archaic : character, quality

the temper of the land you design to sow

John Mortimer

: the state of a substance with respect to certain desired qualities (such as hardness, elasticity, or workability)

especially : the degree of hardness or resiliency given steel by tempering

: the feel and relative solidity of leather

: a substance (such as a metal) added to or mixed with something else (such as another metal) to modify the properties of the latter

temper

2 of 2

verb

tempered; tempering ˈtem-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce temper (audio)

transitive verb

: to dilute, qualify, or soften by the addition or influence of something else : moderate

temper justice with mercy

: to anneal or toughen (glass) by a process of gradually heating and cooling

b(1)

: to harden (a material, such as steel) by reheating and cooling in oil

(2)

: to soften (a material, such as hardened steel or cast iron) by reheating at a lower temperature

: to make stronger and more resilient through hardship : toughen

troops tempered in battle

: to bring to a suitable state by mixing in or adding a usually liquid ingredient: such as

: to mix (clay) with water or a modifier (such as grog) and knead to a uniform texture

: to mix oil with (colors) in making paint ready for use

: to put in tune with something : attune

: to adjust the pitch of (a note, chord, or instrument) to a temperament

archaic

: to exercise control over : govern, restrain

: to cause to be well disposed : mollify

tempered and reconciled them both

Richard Steele

temperable

ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce temper (audio)

adjective

temperer

ˈtem-pər-ər How to pronounce temper (audio)

noun

Did you know?

Mix Things Up With the Meaning of Temper

The temper root keeps its basic meaning—"to mix" or "to keep within limits"—in the English word temper. When you temper something, you mix it with some balancing quality or substance so as to avoid anything extreme. Thus, it's often said that a judge must temper justice with mercy. Young people only gradually learn to temper their natural enthusiasms with caution. And in dealing with others, we all try to temper our honesty with sensitivity.

Example Sentences

Noun She has a bad temper. That boy has quite a temper. He needs to learn to control his temper. She hit him in a fit of temper. He slammed the door and left in a temper. It's often difficult for parents not to lose their tempers. He is in a pleasant temper. Verb The steel must be properly tempered. See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

My husband took it upon himself to help discipline all the kids and tended to have a temper and be harsh.

Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 1 July 2022 His dad has a temper when drunk, and there are all these mysterious disappearances.

New York Times, 20 June 2022 More important, though, is that Nixon, who was known to have a temper, doesn’t get angry.

Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 17 June 2022 The story that Trump has a volcanically bad temper and is abusive to staff and doesn’t understand or care about policy is something that has been very, very well fleshed out over the years, to put it mildly.

Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 5 May 2022 Thanks to post-traumatic stress disorder, Parsons had a hair-trigger temper and didn’t want to be around people.

Will Yakowicz, Forbes, 17 Apr. 2022 Colin Firth is uncanny as Peterson, mimicking his avuncular bonhomie, and hinting at the stormy temper and dangerous narcissism that lurks beneath it.

Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 5 May 2022 Far-right politicians and media outlets stoked and sharpened the growing anti-immigrant temper, portraying Europe as on the brink of being overrun by foreign hordes.

New York Times, 2 Mar. 2022 The short temper would lead to mood swings, not unlike the explosive fit where George Bailey destroys part of the family living room, said Matzen.

Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021

Verb

Blinken cited steps the Biden administration had taken to temper energy prices at home and abroad, including authorizing a major release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and redirecting natural gas toward Europe.

Emily Rauhala, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 Sure, it could be seen as a passionate call to action, giving audiences a taste of resistance, but the screenwriters — Gavras, Ly and Elias Belkeddar — temper that catharsis with a strong sense of caution.

Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Sep. 2022 The dwarves anchor it and temper some of the show’s more pompous instincts.

Sydney Odman, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Aug. 2022 Ultimately though, Volberg said to temper expectations for what sports betting will bring.

Simon J. Levien, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Aug. 2022 Washington, over Israel’s objections, expressed its support for the text, but Tehran has sought to temper expectations.

Shira Rubin, Washington Post, 13 Aug. 2022 Saudi officials have sought to temper expectations, reiterating that the kingdom would do what is needed to balance the market if there is a shortage of supply.

Benoit Faucon, WSJ, 3 Aug. 2022 The goal is to slow the U.S. economy to help temper the impact from inflation.

CBS News, 1 Aug. 2022 There is some evidence that supply chain bottlenecks are beginning to ease, and the Federal Reserve is expected to act in the coming months to temper inflation with higher interest rates.

Jeff Stein And Evan Halper, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Apr. 2022 See More

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English tempure, tempyr, temper "moderation, mixture of things in proper proportion, mental state," probably noun derivative of tempren, temperen "to mix with, soften, moderate" — more at temper entry 2

Verb

Middle English tempren, temperen "to be mixed with, mix with, soften, moderate, regulate, tune," in part going back to Old English temprian "to mix with, moderate," borrowed from Latin temperāre "to exercise moderation, restrain oneself, moderate, bring to a proper strength or consistency by mixing, maintain in a state of balance," perhaps derivative of temper-, variant stem of tempor-, tempus "period of time"; in part borrowed from Anglo-French temprer, tremper, going back to Latin temperāre — more at tempo

Note: The derivation of temperāre from temper- and hence tempus is based on the hypothesis that the original meaning of the noun was "extent, measure"; however, it is not entirely certain that the meanings "to restrain" or "to bring to a suitable state by mixing" (whichever might be the original meaning of temperāre) are consonant with the idea of measuring.

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2c

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

temper 1 of 2

noun

tem·per ˈtem-pər How to pronounce temper (audio)

: characteristic state of feeling

She has a very even temper.

: calmness of mind

I lost my temper.

: a tendency to become angry

Try to control your temper.

: the hardness or toughness of a substance (as metal)

temper

2 of 2

verb

tempered; tempering

: to make less severe or extreme : soften

Mountains temper the wind.

: to heat and cool a substance (as steel) until it is as hard, tough, or flexible as is wanted

单词	tempering
释义	temper 1 of 2 noun tem·per ˈtem-pər 1 a : heat of mind or emotion : proneness to anger : passion she has a real temper b : calmness of mind : composure c : state of feeling or frame of mind at a particular time usually dominated by a single strong emotion d : a characteristic cast of mind or state of feeling : disposition 2 a : characteristic tone : trend the temper of the times b : high quality of mind or spirit : courage c archaic : a suitable proportion or balance of qualities : a middle state between extremes : mean, medium virtue is … a just temper between propensities T. B. Macaulay d archaic : character, quality the temper of the land you design to sow John Mortimer 3 a : the state of a substance with respect to certain desired qualities (such as hardness, elasticity, or workability) especially : the degree of hardness or resiliency given steel by tempering b : the feel and relative solidity of leather 4 : a substance (such as a metal) added to or mixed with something else (such as another metal) to modify the properties of the latter temper 2 of 2 verb tempered; tempering ˈtem-p(ə-)riŋ transitive verb 1 : to dilute, qualify, or soften by the addition or influence of something else : moderate temper justice with mercy 2 a : to anneal or toughen (glass) by a process of gradually heating and cooling b(1) : to harden (a material, such as steel) by reheating and cooling in oil (2) : to soften (a material, such as hardened steel or cast iron) by reheating at a lower temperature 3 : to make stronger and more resilient through hardship : toughen troops tempered in battle 4 : to bring to a suitable state by mixing in or adding a usually liquid ingredient: such as a : to mix (clay) with water or a modifier (such as grog) and knead to a uniform texture b : to mix oil with (colors) in making paint ready for use 5 a : to put in tune with something : attune b : to adjust the pitch of (a note, chord, or instrument) to a temperament 6 archaic a : to exercise control over : govern, restrain b : to cause to be well disposed : mollify tempered and reconciled them both Richard Steele temperable ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-bəl adjective temperer ˈtem-pər-ər noun Did you know? Mix Things Up With the Meaning of Temper The temper root keeps its basic meaning—"to mix" or "to keep within limits"—in the English word temper. When you temper something, you mix it with some balancing quality or substance so as to avoid anything extreme. Thus, it's often said that a judge must temper justice with mercy. Young people only gradually learn to temper their natural enthusiasms with caution. And in dealing with others, we all try to temper our honesty with sensitivity. Synonyms Noun air ambience ambiance aroma atmosphere aura climate flavor halo karma mood nimbus note odor patina smell vibration(s) See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Noun She has a bad temper. That boy has quite a temper. He needs to learn to control his temper. She hit him in a fit of temper. He slammed the door and left in a temper. It's often difficult for parents not to lose their tempers. He is in a pleasant temper. Verb The steel must be properly tempered. See More Recent Examples on the Web Noun My husband took it upon himself to help discipline all the kids and tended to have a temper and be harsh. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 1 July 2022 His dad has a temper when drunk, and there are all these mysterious disappearances. New York Times, 20 June 2022 More important, though, is that Nixon, who was known to have a temper, doesn’t get angry. Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 17 June 2022 The story that Trump has a volcanically bad temper and is abusive to staff and doesn’t understand or care about policy is something that has been very, very well fleshed out over the years, to put it mildly. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 5 May 2022 Thanks to post-traumatic stress disorder, Parsons had a hair-trigger temper and didn’t want to be around people. Will Yakowicz, Forbes, 17 Apr. 2022 Colin Firth is uncanny as Peterson, mimicking his avuncular bonhomie, and hinting at the stormy temper and dangerous narcissism that lurks beneath it. Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 5 May 2022 Far-right politicians and media outlets stoked and sharpened the growing anti-immigrant temper, portraying Europe as on the brink of being overrun by foreign hordes. New York Times, 2 Mar. 2022 The short temper would lead to mood swings, not unlike the explosive fit where George Bailey destroys part of the family living room, said Matzen. Rachael Scott, CNN, 25 Dec. 2021 Verb Blinken cited steps the Biden administration had taken to temper energy prices at home and abroad, including authorizing a major release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and redirecting natural gas toward Europe. Emily Rauhala, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2022 Sure, it could be seen as a passionate call to action, giving audiences a taste of resistance, but the screenwriters — Gavras, Ly and Elias Belkeddar — temper that catharsis with a strong sense of caution. Peter Debruge, Variety, 2 Sep. 2022 The dwarves anchor it and temper some of the show’s more pompous instincts. Sydney Odman, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Aug. 2022 Ultimately though, Volberg said to temper expectations for what sports betting will bring. Simon J. Levien, BostonGlobe.com, 14 Aug. 2022 Washington, over Israel’s objections, expressed its support for the text, but Tehran has sought to temper expectations. Shira Rubin, Washington Post, 13 Aug. 2022 Saudi officials have sought to temper expectations, reiterating that the kingdom would do what is needed to balance the market if there is a shortage of supply. Benoit Faucon, WSJ, 3 Aug. 2022 The goal is to slow the U.S. economy to help temper the impact from inflation. CBS News, 1 Aug. 2022 There is some evidence that supply chain bottlenecks are beginning to ease, and the Federal Reserve is expected to act in the coming months to temper inflation with higher interest rates. Jeff Stein And Evan Halper, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Apr. 2022 See More Word History Etymology Noun Middle English tempure, tempyr, temper "moderation, mixture of things in proper proportion, mental state," probably noun derivative of tempren, temperen "to mix with, soften, moderate" — more at temper entry 2 Verb Middle English tempren, temperen "to be mixed with, mix with, soften, moderate, regulate, tune," in part going back to Old English temprian "to mix with, moderate," borrowed from Latin temperāre "to exercise moderation, restrain oneself, moderate, bring to a proper strength or consistency by mixing, maintain in a state of balance," perhaps derivative of temper-, variant stem of tempor-, tempus "period of time"; in part borrowed from Anglo-French temprer, tremper, going back to Latin temperāre — more at tempo Note: The derivation of temperāre from temper- and hence tempus is based on the hypothesis that the original meaning of the noun was "extent, measure"; however, it is not entirely certain that the meanings "to restrain" or "to bring to a suitable state by mixing" (whichever might be the original meaning of temperāre) are consonant with the idea of measuring. First Known Use Noun 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2c Verb before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Phrases Containing temper lose one's temper keep one's temper quick temper short temper one's temper flares lose one's temper keep one's temper quick temper short temper one's temper flares Kids Definition temper 1 of 2 noun tem·per ˈtem-pər 1 : characteristic state of feeling She has a very even temper. 2 : calmness of mind I lost my temper. 3 : a tendency to become angry Try to control your temper. 4 : the hardness or toughness of a substance (as metal) temper 2 of 2 verb tempered; tempering 1 : to make less severe or extreme : soften Mountains temper the wind. 2 : to heat and cool a substance (as steel) until it is as hard, tough, or flexible as is wanted tempering verb present participle of temper 1 as in annealing Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance annealing hardening toughening strengthening fortifying energizing vitalizing invigorating restrengthening beefing (up) toning (up) firming (up) Antonyms & Near Antonyms weakening crippling damaging debilitating enervating paralyzing impairing hurting undermining enfeebling harming injuring undercutting incapacitating breaking down sapping wearing out See More 2 as in softening Synonyms & Similar Words softening moderating mitigating lightening allaying alleviating curing relieving easing soothing mollifying abating refining healing assuaging repairing rectifying palliating correcting helping remedying improving reforming amending enhancing ameliorating enriching perfecting fixing mending emending bettering meliorating Antonyms & Near Antonyms aggravating impairing intensifying hurting sharpening injuring exacerbating harming heightening See More
随便看	persifleurs persilicic persillade persimmon persimmons Persis persist persist (beyond) persist beyond persisted persisted (beyond) persisted beyond persistence persistences persistencies persistency persistent persistent vegetative state persistently persister persisters persisting persisting (beyond) persisting beyond persistive

temper

noun

verb

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing temper

Kids Definition

noun

verb

verb