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

temper 1 of 2

noun

as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something there's a temper of tranquility about the retreat that visitors find very inviting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

aura
atmosphere
mood
air
climate
flavor
aroma
sense
smell
feel
ambience
feeling
odor
patina
karma
halo
tone
ambiance
vibration(s)
nimbus
spirit
characteristic
romance
aureole
note
trait
mystique
attribute
sensation
image
peculiarity
property
semblance
illusion
aureola
character
overtone
color
notion
suggestion
picture
genius loci
mark

as in mood

a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion was in quite a bad temper after spilling his juice all over his new shirt

Synonyms & Similar Words

mood
spirit
mode
humor
attitude
cheer
temperament
feather
frame of mind
emotion
tone
heart
outlook
opinion
angle
viewpoint
mind
perspective
sensitivity
sentiment
sensitiveness
personality
feeling
conviction
belief
judgment
strain
slant
standpoint
mind-set
disposition
expression
passion
individuality
vein
sensibility
responsiveness
identity
judgement
mettle
selfhood
character
makeup
self-identity

as in temperament

one's characteristic attitude or mood she has an even temper and a calm manner that sets everyone all at ease

Synonyms & Similar Words

temperament
disposition
attitude
nature
personality
mind
grain
outlook
spirit
heart
tone
habit
inclination
humor
opinion
emotion
feeling
mode
angle
viewpoint
perspective
sensitivity
sensitiveness
sentiment
frame
belief
conviction
judgment
expression
cheer
strain
slant
responsiveness
standpoint
mind-set
identity
view
persuasion
individuality
passion
sensibility
vein
judgement
character
mettle
notion
makeup
selfhood
setup
self-identity

temper

2 of 2

verb

as in to anneal

Synonyms & Similar Words

anneal
toughen
harden
invigorate
energize
strengthen
fortify
vitalize
restrengthen
tone (up)
firm (up)
beef (up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

weaken
hurt
impair
damage
harm
injure
enervate
paralyze
cripple
debilitate
break down
undermine
enfeeble
undercut
incapacitate
sap
wear out

as in to moderate

Synonyms & Similar Words

moderate
soften
lighten
soothe
allay
abate
ease
mollify
assuage
mitigate
alleviate
relieve
remedy
cure
palliate
help
better
correct
reform
improve
heal
rectify
repair
perfect
refine
ameliorate
enhance
amend
mend
enrich
emend
meliorate
fix

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hurt
aggravate
impair
harm
injure
intensify
exacerbate
sharpen
heighten

Synonym Chooser

Some common synonyms of temper are character, disposition, personality, and temperament. While all these words mean "the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group," temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations.

a resilient temper

The meanings of character and temper largely overlap; however, character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents.

strength of character

The words disposition and temper can be used in similar contexts, but disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one.

a cheerful disposition

While the synonyms personality and temper are close in meaning, personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person.

a somber personality

Although the words temperament and temper have much in common, temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization.

an artistic temperament

单词	temper
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 temper 1 of 2 noun 1 as in aura a special quality or impression associated with something there's a temper of tranquility about the retreat that visitors find very inviting Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance aura atmosphere mood air climate flavor aroma sense smell feel ambience feeling odor patina karma halo tone ambiance vibration(s) nimbus spirit characteristic romance aureole note trait mystique attribute sensation image peculiarity property semblance illusion aureola character overtone color notion suggestion picture genius loci mark 2 as in mood a state of mind dominated by a particular emotion was in quite a bad temper after spilling his juice all over his new shirt Synonyms & Similar Words mood spirit mode humor attitude cheer temperament feather frame of mind emotion tone heart outlook opinion angle viewpoint mind perspective sensitivity sentiment sensitiveness personality feeling conviction belief judgment strain slant standpoint mind-set disposition expression passion individuality vein sensibility responsiveness identity judgement mettle selfhood character makeup self-identity 3 as in temperament one's characteristic attitude or mood she has an even temper and a calm manner that sets everyone all at ease Synonyms & Similar Words temperament disposition attitude nature personality mind grain outlook spirit heart tone habit inclination humor opinion emotion feeling mode angle viewpoint perspective sensitivity sensitiveness sentiment frame belief conviction judgment expression cheer strain slant responsiveness standpoint mind-set identity view persuasion individuality passion sensibility vein judgement character mettle notion makeup selfhood setup self-identity temper 2 of 2 verb 1 as in to anneal Synonyms & Similar Words anneal toughen harden invigorate energize strengthen fortify vitalize restrengthen tone (up) firm (up) beef (up) Antonyms & Near Antonyms weaken hurt impair damage harm injure enervate paralyze cripple debilitate break down undermine enfeeble undercut incapacitate sap wear out See More 2 as in to moderate Synonyms & Similar Words moderate soften lighten soothe allay abate ease mollify assuage mitigate alleviate relieve remedy cure palliate help better correct reform improve heal rectify repair perfect refine ameliorate enhance amend mend enrich emend meliorate fix Antonyms & Near Antonyms hurt aggravate impair harm injure intensify exacerbate sharpen heighten See More Synonym Chooser Some common synonyms of temper are character, disposition, personality, and temperament. While all these words mean "the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group," temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations. a resilient temper The meanings of character and temper largely overlap; however, character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents. strength of character The words disposition and temper can be used in similar contexts, but disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one. a cheerful disposition While the synonyms personality and temper are close in meaning, personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person. a somber personality Although the words temperament and temper have much in common, temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization. an artistic temperament Phrases Containing temper lose one's temper lose one's temper
随便看	differential geometry differential grasshopper differential indexing differential locust differential motion differential operator differential piece-rate system differential psychology differential pulley differential rate differential refraction differential route differential screw differential thermometer differential threshold differential white count differential windlass differentially differentials differentiate differentiated differentiates differentiating differentiation differentiations

temper

noun

verb

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing temper

Kids Definition

noun

verb

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Phrases Containing temper