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temper Definition

tem·per (tem′pər)

transitive verb

  1. to make suitable, desirable, or free from excess by mingling with something else; reduce in intensity, esp. by the admixture of some other quality; moderate; assuage; mollify to temper criticism with reason
    1. to bring to the proper texture, consistency, hardness, etc. by mixing with something or treating in some way to temper paints with oil, to temper steel by heating and sudden cooling, to temper clay by moistening and kneading
    2. to toughen, as by rigors or trying experiences
  3. Rare to fit; adapt
  4. Archaic to mix in proper proportions
  5. Music to adjust the pitch of (a note) or tune (an instrument) according to some temperament

Etymology: ME tempren < OE temprian & OFr temprer, both < L temperare, to observe proper measure, mix, regulate, forbear < tempus (gen. temporis), time, period, orig., a span < IE *tempos, a span < *temp-, to pull < base *ten-, to stretch > thin

intransitive verb

to be or become tempered

noun

  1. the state of being tempered; specif.,
    1. Archaic a properly proportioned mixture
    2. the state of a metal with regard to the degree of hardness and resilience
  2. frame of mind; disposition; mood in a bad temper
  3. calmness of mind; composure: now only in the phrases lose one's temper and keep one's temper
  4. a tendency to become angry readily to have a temper
  5. anger; rage to go into a temper
  6. something used to temper a mixture, etc.
  7. the trend in thought and feeling (of an era, period, etc.); character the temper of the times, the modern temper
  8. Archaic a middle course; mean
  9. Obsolete character; quality

temper Related Forms

tem′·per·abil′·ity noun tem′·per·able adjective tem′·perer noun

temper Synonyms

temper

n.

  1. State of mind

    disposition, temperament, frame of mind, humor; see mood 1.

  2. An angry state of mind

    furor, ire, passion; see anger, rage 2.

  3. The quality of being easily angered

    impatience, excitability, touchiness, sourness, sensitivity, fretfulness, peevishness, irritability, ill-humor, acerbity, petulence, irascibility, crossness, churlishness, pugnacity, sullenness, tartness, grouchiness*, huffiness*, cantankerousness*.

    Antonyms patience*, calmness*, equanimity. *

  4. The quality of induced hardness or toughness in materials

    tensile strength, sturdiness, hardness; see firmness 2, strength 1.

  5. Composure

    equanimity, poise, tranquility; see composure.

keep one's temper

remain calm, control oneself, compose oneself, not become angry; see restrain 1.

lose one's temper

become angry, get mad, fly off the handle*, go bananas*; see rage 1. See syn. study at mood, disposition.

temper Synonyms

temper

v.

  1. To soften or qualify

    mitigate, pacify, moderate, abate, mollify, curb, restrain; see also ease 1, 2, soften 2.

    Antonyms attack*, violate injure.

  2. To toughen or harden

    steel, anneal, braze, bake, chill, stiffen, caseharden, cement, vulcanize, solidify, congeal, indurate, starch, petrify, mold, set, dry, toughen up*; see also strengthen.

    Antonyms melt, dissolve, soften.

temper Usage Examples

Object

  • shelf: Features include 8mm tempered glass shelf, a pull-out drawer to store your favorite DVD / CD collection & rubber feet.
  • steel: A thriving steel industry grew up around Toledo as the water in the river Tagus has special properties for the tempering the steel.

Converse of object

  • fray: All of these factors can result in frayed tempers from time to time.
  • flare: If you happen to be the person whose temper flared, then prepare to face the consequences the next day at work.

Subject

  • breeze: Climate From April to September the coast has warm, mainly dry weather tempered by sea breezes.
  • realization: However, this anger is soon tempered by the realization that China offers the world's largest untapped export market.

Adjective modifier

  • fiery: She has the same independence, determination and fiery temper.
  • hasty: Proverbs chapter 14 ( NLT ) 29 Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.
  • volatile: His mother, noted for her volatile temper, was descended from the Gordons, with their wild, bloodsoaked highland history.
  • violent: At this time he began using the name Powell Powell had a reputation for having a violent temper.
  • foul: Someone else tried fifty-two years later but he couldn't get up the side of the rock and left in a foul temper.
  • fierce: As a youngster Federer had a fierce temper, breaking rackets regularly and making himself thoroughly unpopular.

Modifies a noun

  • tantrum: My two-year-old son seems to have serious temper tantrums.
  • outburst: Attempts by the parents to insist on attendance result in heightened distress, or temper outbursts.
  • flare: A little white lie here, a little unnecessary temper flare there - our culture doesn't see these as particularly bad things.

Preposition: with

  • realism: However, enthusiasm needs to be tempered with a constant realism.
  • mercy: God's mercy In the Book of Jonah, God's justice is tempered with mercy.
  • caution: However, their interest is tempered with considerable caution.

Preposition: by

  • breeze: Climate From April to September the coast has warm, mainly dry weather tempered by sea breezes.
  • realization: However, this anger is soon tempered by the realization that China offers the world's largest untapped export market.