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temperance Definition

tem·per·ance (tem′pər əns, -prəns)

noun

  1. the state or quality of being temperate; self-restraint in conduct, expression, indulgence of the appetites, etc.; moderation
  2. moderation in drinking alcoholic liquors or total abstinence from alcoholic liquors

Etymology: ME < MFr < L temperantia, moderation, sobriety < prp. of temperare: see temper

temperance Synonyms

temperance

n.

moderation, restraint, abstinence, self-control, forbearance, self-denial, self-restraint, abnegation, frugality, sobriety, soberness, abstemiousness, teetotalism, vegetarianism, water wagon*.

Antonyms drunkenness*, prodigality*, inebriation.

temperance Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • promote: Membership certificate Open The Hope Trust was formed in 1847 to promote temperance among Scotland's youth.
  • include: The business arena provides the opportunity to practice all the Aristotelian virtues -- including temperance, justice, courage and magnanimity.
  • preach: As one commentator put it, the US and UK look as tho they are preaching temperance from a bar stool.
  • encourage: Peers also alludes to the greater efforts to encourage temperance in the late Victorian army.
  • support: McGavin supported temperance, and for 20 years was a member and ultimately chairman of the Scottish Temperance League.
  • have: Perhaps this dangerous latitude comes of the fact that we never have any temperance " rot " going on in Hartford.

Adjective modifier

  • strict: Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.
  • first: The first temperance meeting I ever attended was in the large hall of this church.

Modifies a noun

  • reformer: He was always ready to co-operate with all classes of temperance reformers.
  • movement: The main thrust of the temperance movement was aimed at children.
  • advocate: A militant and aggressive temperance advocate, he led many campaigns against the " trade.
  • society: A large number of the members of the old temperance society joined the new association.
  • hall: In 1878 the congregation moved to an iron hall in Finchley Lane, built by Stephen Shirley as a temperance hall.
  • hotel: The only inn in the village for decades was a temperance hotel.