temperance

noun

tem·​per·​ance ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s 

-pərn(t)s

1

: moderation in action, thought, or feeling : restraint

2

a

: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions

b

: moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages

Did you know?

Since temperance means basically "moderation", you might assume that, with respect to alcohol, temperance would mean moderate consumption, or "social drinking". Instead, the word has usually meant the prohibition of all alcohol. To temperance leaders such as Carry Nation, the safest form of drinking was no alcohol at all. Believing she was upholding the law, Nation began her hatchet-swinging attacks on saloons, known as "hatchetations", in the 1890s. National prohibition did eventually come—and go—but largely through the efforts of more temperate (that is, moderate) reformers.

Synonyms

• moderateness
• moderation
• temperateness

Examples of temperance in a Sentence

The minister preached about temperance.

my father attributes his ripe old age to temperance in all things, especially eating and drinking

Recent Examples on the Web

This memoir is a record of a life spent prioritizing adventure over prudence, indulgence over temperance. —The Atlantic, 15 May 2025

He’s now deemed heroic in adhering to the Seven Virtues -- faith, hope, charity, prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 24 Apr. 2025

Franklin’s virtues are: temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, and humility. —Michael Maguire, Boston Herald, 19 Aug. 2024

Supporters aligned with the temperance movement used Weston’s walks to advance their agenda—since Weston was a teetotaler, sponsors and cheerleaders trumpeted his feats as evidence that sobriety was healthy. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English temperaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French temprance, temperance, borrowed from Latin temperantia "self-control, moderation, restraint," noun derivative from temperant-, temperans, present participle of temperāre "to exercise moderation, restrain oneself" — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for temperance

• intemperance

Kids Definition

temperance

noun

tem·​per·​ance ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s 

-pərn(t)s

1

: control over one's acts, thoughts, or feelings : moderation, restraint

2

: the use of little or no alcoholic drink

Medical Definition

temperance

noun

tem·​per·​ance ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s, -pərn(t)s 

: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions

specifically : moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages