temper

noun

tem·per | \ ˈtem-pər

Definition of temper

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : heat of mind or emotion : proneness to anger : passion she has a real temper

b : calmness of mind : composure

c : state of feeling or frame of mind at a particular time usually dominated by a single strong emotion

d : a characteristic cast of mind or state of feeling : disposition

2a : characteristic tone : trend the temper of the times

b : high quality of mind or spirit : courage

c archaic : a suitable proportion or balance of qualities : a middle state between extremes : mean, medium virtue is … a just temper between propensities— T. B. Macaulay

d archaic : character, quality the temper of the land you design to sow— John Mortimer

3a : the state of a substance with respect to certain desired qualities (such as hardness, elasticity, or workability) especially : the degree of hardness or resiliency given steel by tempering

b : the feel and relative solidity of leather

4 : a substance (such as a metal) added to or mixed with something else (such as another metal) to modify the properties of the latter

temper

verb

tempered; tempering\ ˈtem-p(ə-)riŋ

Definition of temper (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to dilute, qualify, or soften by the addition or influence of something else : moderate temper justice with mercy

2a : to anneal or toughen (glass) by a process of gradually heating and cooling

b(1) : to harden (a material, such as steel) by reheating and cooling in oil

(2) : to soften (a material, such as hardened steel or cast iron) by reheating at a lower temperature

3 : to make stronger and more resilient through hardship : toughen troops tempered in battle

4 : to bring to a suitable state by mixing in or adding a usually liquid ingredient: such as

a : to mix (clay) with water or a modifier (such as grog) and knead to a uniform texture

b : to mix oil with (colors) in making paint ready for use

5a : to put in tune with something : attune

b : to adjust the pitch of (a note, chord, or instrument) to a temperament

6 archaic

a : to exercise control over : govern, restrain

b : to cause to be well disposed : mollify tempered and reconciled them both— Richard Steele

Other Words from temper Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Mix Things Up With the Meaning of Temper More Example Sentences Learn More about temper

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Choose the Right Synonym for temper

Noun

disposition, temperament, temper, character, personality mean the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group. disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one. a cheerful disposition temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization. an artistic temperament temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations. a resilient temper character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents. strength of character personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person. a somber personality

Mix Things Up With the Meaning of Temper

The temper root keeps its basic meaning—"to mix" or "to keep within limits"—in the English word temper. When you temper something, you mix it with some balancing quality or substance so as to avoid anything extreme. Thus, it's often said that a judge must temper justice with mercy. Young people only gradually learn to temper their natural enthusiasms with caution. And in dealing with others, we all try to temper our honesty with sensitivity.

Examples of temper in a Sentence

Noun

She has a bad temper. That boy has quite a temper. He needs to learn to control his temper. She hit him in a fit of temper. He slammed the door and left in a temper. It's often difficult for parents not to lose their tempers. He is in a pleasant temper.

Verb

The steel must be properly tempered.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Inside the Senate, McCain’s humor became a trademark alongside his temper. — Laurie Kellman, The Seattle Times, "McCain had a ‘wicked’ wit that he often aimed at himself," 27 Aug. 2018 In her book On the Fringe: A Life in Decorating, Taylor puts most of the blame on her boss and his notorious temper. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "What Camilla Parker Bowles Was Really Like Before She Became a Duchess," 1 Aug. 2018 Pearl is worn to calm an overactive mind and to control the temper. — Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, "What’s Your Sign? Karen Elson on Her New Birthstone Perfume Bottle Tops," 18 Jan. 2019 The paradox is that over several years this could reduce the political tempers over the Supreme Court. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "The Next Kavanaugh Stakes," 7 Oct. 2018 Phil obviously lost his temper and was super frustrated. — Daniel Rapaport, SI.com, "FORE Questions: Breaking Down an Eventful U.S. Open at Shinnecock," 19 June 2018 They were focused on providing a modicum of stability in the midst of the tempest that is Donald Trump; on mitigating the president’s temper, wild instincts, and mercurial moods. — Alex Shephard, The New Republic, "The Wrongest Man in Washington," 19 Apr. 2018 Aries, a fire sign, is also known for its explosive temper. — Diana Budds, Curbed, "Based on your zodiac sign, what should your Halloween costume be?," 10 Oct. 2018 Several of you in the pews that crossed swords with him or found yourselves on the receiving end of his famous temper or were at a cross purpose to him on anything, are doing your best to stay stone faced. — Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, "Read the Full Transcript of Meghan McCain's Eulogy for Her Father John McCain," 1 Sep. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Employers should temper and shape new hires’ expectations by offering frequent feedback, clear information about realistic career paths and opportunities to build new skills, says Jody Michael, a Chicago career coach. — Sue Shellenbarger, WSJ, "The Office Rookies Who Ask for the World," 8 Apr. 2019 Hogsett’s explanation for the homicides — and latest plan to reduce them — has tempered criticism in the short term. — James Briggs, Indianapolis Star, "At 16, she was shot in the back. Now she's working to curb violence in Indianapolis.," 7 June 2018 In an interview, Dr. David Scadden — a GoodCell co-founder and co-director of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute — was more tempered about the product than some of the company’s marketing. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, "Stem cell bank opens with backing from leading scientists. Is it worth the money?," 31 May 2018 Cohn's departure has raised concerns about who within the White House will seek to temper Mr. Trump's nationalistic instincts. — CBS News, "Is it the end of a Goldman Sachs era at the White House, after Gary Cohn's exit?," 9 Mar. 2018 The glass used for Ball and Kerr canning jars is not tempered for oven use and is not meant to be used in baking projects. — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, "The Scary Reason You Should Never Bake Anything In a Mason Jar," 11 July 2017 The thing is, carbo-loading without nutrients like fat and protein to temper the rise in glucose can make your blood sugar spike, then dip, which is not ideal. — Zahra Barnes, SELF, "Skipping Meals: What Happens When You're Not Eating Enough," 4 Jan. 2019 Facebook hired Dugan to make that plan a reality, and her early departure may have caused the company to temper its ambitions slightly. — Nick Statt, The Verge, "Facebook fractures its secretive hardware division," 14 Dec. 2018 The triennial exemption process helps to temper some of the system's worst excesses, but a fundamental rethink of the law's approach would be even better. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "Why a random federal agency gets to decide which devices we tinker with," 26 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'temper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.