temperate

adjective

tem·​per·​ate ˈtem-p(ə-)rət 

1

a

: having a moderate climate which especially lacks extremes in temperature

b

: found in or associated with a moderate climate

temperate insects

2

: marked by moderation: such as

a

: keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive : mild

b

: moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire

c

: moderate in the use of alcoholic beverages

d

: marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship

3

: existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis

temperate bacteriophages

temperately adverb

temperateness noun

Synonyms of temperate

• moderate

Examples of temperate in a Sentence

They had a temperate discussion.

He is a temperate man.

Recent Examples on the Web

Climate change pushes both sides of the equation, expanding the range and season length of Aedes mosquitoes in temperate regions while intensifying transmission in the tropics that feeds the flow of infected travelers. —John Drake, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026

Extend your next dinner party outdoors to enjoy its beautiful ambiance on temperate nights. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 13 May 2026

The temperate weather in Southern Corsica allows the restaurant to be set completely outdoors. —Rebekah Peppler, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026

In a temperate environment such as North Texas, where the growing season is long and the winters are mild, biological pressures are constant. —Kody Boye, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English temperat, temperate "restrained, moderate in nature or habits, having the bodily humors in balanced proportion, moderate in temperature or climate," borrowed from Latin temperātus "(of persons) restrained, (of temperature or climate) moderate, between extremes," from past participle of temperāre "to exercise moderation, moderate" — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing temperate

• temperate rainforest
• temperate zone

Kids Definition

temperate

adjective

tem·​per·​ate ˈtem-p(ə-)rət 

1

: being or kept within limits

2

: not going too far in satisfying one's needs or desires

3

: not drinking much liquor

4

: marked by self-control : restrained

temperate speech

5

: having or associated with a climate that is usually mild without extremely cold or extremely hot temperatures

temperately adverb

temperateness noun

Medical Definition

temperate

adjective

tem·​per·​ate ˈtem-p(ə-)rət 

1

: marked by moderation

especially : moderate in the use of intoxicating liquors

2

: existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis

temperate bacteriophages

temperately adverb