temperament

tem·per·a·ment

noun \ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-mənt, -pər-mənt\

Definition of TEMPERAMENT

1

obsolete a : constitution of a substance, body, or organism with respect to the mixture or balance of its elements, qualities, or parts : makeup b : complexion 1

2

obsolete a : climate b : temperature 2

3

a : the peculiar or distinguishing mental or physical character determined by the relative proportions of the humors according to medieval physiology b : characteristic or habitual inclination or mode of emotional response <a nervous temperament> c : extremely high sensibility; especially : excessive sensitiveness or irritability

4

a : the act or process of tempering or modifying : adjustment, compromise b : middle course : mean

5

: the slight modification of acoustically pure intervals in tuning a musical instrument; especially : modification that produces a set of 12 equally spaced tones to the octave

Examples of TEMPERAMENT

1. The two women were opposite in temperament.
2. <looking for a dog with a sweet temperament>

Origin of TEMPERAMENT

Middle English, from Latin temperamentum, from temperare to mix, temper

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to TEMPERAMENT

Synonyms: grain, nature, temper, disposition

Related Words: cheer, frame, habit, humor, inclination, mode, spirit; angle, attitude, mind-set, outlook, perspective, slant, standpoint, viewpoint; emotion, feeling, heart, passion, sentiment, spirit; strain; belief, conviction, judgment (or judgement), mind, notion, opinion, persuasion, view; expression, tone, vein; character, identity, individuality, makeup, mettle, personality, selfhood, self-identity, setup; responsiveness, sensibility, sensitiveness, sensitivity

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See Synonym Discussion at disposition

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal