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

That’s led to all sorts of new threats, like the 2021 heatwave that killed more than 1,400 people in the typically temperate Pacific Northwest. —Justine Calma, The Verge, 14 Nov. 2023

The ultimate romantic getaway for outdoorsy types, this vast final frontier region supplies a stunning mix of terrain — glacial fjords, sparkling lakes, temperate rain forests, and mountain peaks — for hiking and kayaking as well as unparalleled stargazing far away from light pollution. —Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 6 Nov. 2023

The Problem: Oregon is known for its temperate maritime climate, with summertime temperatures usually topping out in the 70s in the western part of the state. —Krista Langlois, Outside Online, 10 Mar. 2023

Tokyo has always been a major tourist destination, particularly in late March through early April, when billowy cherry blossoms take center stage and temperate weather is the norm. —Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2023

When the weather is temperate, Paradiso’s patio is one of the best seats in Dallas, shaded by trees and tucked away from street noise but right in the heart of the Bishop Arts District. —Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas News, 19 Sep. 2023

Best Times to Visit Italy by Region Best Times to Visit the Italian Coast Spring, summer, and autumn are often heralded as the best times to visit Italy, particularly in temperate coastal towns where extreme weather isn't a concern. —Rocky Casale, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2023

Unique species are also threatened by adverse changes to the climate of the diverse ecosystems that include tropical and subtropical rainforests, temperate coniferous forest and cold deserts, the report said. —Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 20 June 2023

For the most favorable prices, crowds, and weather, time your trip for Spain's beautifully temperate spring. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2023

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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

• 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