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temperate

adjective
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tem·​per·​ate | \ ˈtem-p(ə-)rət How to pronounce temperate (audio) \

Definition of temperate

1a : 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
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Other Words from temperate

temperately adverb
temperateness noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for temperate

Synonyms

Antonyms

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Examples of temperate in a Sentence

They had a temperate discussion. He is a temperate man.
Recent Examples on the Web Other than a slight bump on Wednesday, temperatures are expected to remain temperate throughout the week, as a cold front moves into the area, keeping highs mainly in the 70s, according to the weather service. — Lucas Phillips, BostonGlobe.com, "Sunday is expected to be mild with some sun, but rain is ahead for Labor Day," 1 Sep. 2019 The Women’s World Cup saw triple-digit weather in typically temperate France. — Wired, "Elite Athletes Are Changing How They Train for Extreme Heat," 30 Aug. 2019 The Florida Gators opened preseason camp early Friday morning amid overcast, temperate conditions of 74 degrees and with plenty of work ahead as Aug. 24’s opener against Miami looms. — Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "Gators kick off preseason camp looking to take next step under coach Dan Mullen," 26 July 2019 But temperate Europe — where air conditioning is rare — isn't equipped for the temperatures frying the region this week. — Angela Charlton And Kirsten Grieshaber, Houston Chronicle, "Paris hits new heat record, London boils in Europe heat wave," 25 July 2019 Fall is a favorite season for many, not only because of Connecticut’s brilliant foliage, but also because the weather is temperate. — courant.com, "Cooler temps for Friday and Saturday," 13 Sep. 2019 Harvest time in September is another good time to visit and is more temperate. — Dave Mcintyre, Washington Post, "Fall harvest is the best time to visit wine country. Here are 4 places to get you started," 6 Sep. 2019 The spring air was temperate enough that jackets need not intrude on ensembles of the truly committed, and so out of the stadium poured a stream of adult women in pink mini skirts, leopard print crop tops, and body-scale Union Jacks. — New York Times, "The Rise of the Spice Girls Generation," 19 July 2019 But the researchers also found something else in the data: Many of the countries in the temperate Goldilocks zone, which already tended to be richer, had even seemed to gain some slight ineffable economic benefit from the warming. — Alejandra Borunda, National Geographic, "Inequality is decreasing between countries—but climate change is slowing progress," 22 Apr. 2019

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

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First Known Use of temperate

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for temperate

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

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Statistics for temperate

Last Updated

20 Oct 2019

Time Traveler for temperate

The first known use of temperate was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for temperate

temperate

adjective
How to pronounce temperate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of temperate

: having temperatures that are not too hot or too cold
formal : emotionally calm and controlled
old-fashioned : avoiding behavior that goes beyond what is normal, healthy, or acceptable

See the full definition for temperate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

temperate

adjective
tem·​per·​ate | \ ˈtem-pə-rət How to pronounce temperate (audio) , -prət\

Kids Definition of temperate

1 : keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive temperate pride
2 : not drinking much liquor
3 : showing self-control Though angry, he used temperate language.
4 : having a mild climate that is not too hot or too cold

temperate

adjective
tem·​per·​ate | \ ˈtem-p(ə-)rət How to pronounce temperate (audio) \

Medical Definition of temperate

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

Other Words from temperate

temperately adverb

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More from Merriam-Webster on temperate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for temperate

Spanish Central: Translation of temperate

Nglish: Translation of temperate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of temperate for Arabic Speakers

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