temper Definition
tem·per (tem′pər)
transitive verb
- 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
- 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
- to toughen, as by rigors or trying experiences
- Rare to fit; adapt
- Archaic to mix in proper proportions
- 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
- the state of being tempered; specif.,
- Archaic a properly proportioned mixture
- the state of a metal with regard to the degree of hardness and resilience
- frame of mind; disposition; mood in a bad temper
- calmness of mind; composure: now only in the phrases lose one's temper and keep one's temper
- a tendency to become angry readily to have a temper
- anger; rage to go into a temper
- something used to temper a mixture, etc.
- the trend in thought and feeling (of an era, period, etc.); character the temper of the times, the modern temper
- Archaic a middle course; mean
- Obsolete character; quality
temper Related Forms
temper Synonyms
temper
n.
State of mind
disposition, temperament, frame of mind, humor; see mood 1.An angry state of mind
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. * The quality of induced hardness or toughness in materials
tensile strength, sturdiness, hardness; see firmness 2, strength 1.Composure
equanimity, poise, tranquility; see composure.
keep one's temper
lose one's temper
temper Synonyms
temper
v.
To soften or qualify
mitigate, pacify, moderate, abate, mollify, curb, restrain; see also ease 1, 2, soften 2.Antonyms
attack*, violate injure. 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.
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.
Browse dictionary entries near temper
- ‹ tempeh
- ‹ Tempe
- ‹ Temp Files
- ‹ temp.
- ‹ temp
- ‹ temerity
- ‹ temerarious
- ‹ temblor
- ‹ Telugu
- ‹ Telstar

