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

• moderate

Examples of temperate in a Sentence

They had a temperate discussion.

He is a temperate man.

Recent Examples on the Web

The May weather is predictably temperate, avoiding the rain delays in other parts of the country or the triple-digit heat of Arizona. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024

While nearly unknown in temperate climates, cassava is a key source of nutrition throughout the tropics. —Stephen Wooding, The Conversation, 1 May 2024

Enjoying the temperate weather, Fanning only needed a long peachy cashmere cardigan to keep her warm. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2024

These modern modulars might be Midwest born, but they were made for the year-round indoor-outdoor living that comes with California’s temperate weather and scenic terrain. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 28 Dec. 2023

The coastal Spanish city is also the top-rated for its temperate climate and good weather, while expats voted it second globally for quality of life. —Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2023

The period between early June and late August brings temperate weather for visiting countless natural wonders. —Kaye Toal, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2023

No matter the time of year, vacations in Florida make for a safe bet with temperate weather and plenty of things to do for the whole family. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 Dec. 2023

Avoid going through customs and relax in the temperate climate of Miami. —Shelby Wax, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2024

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