temperate

adjective

tem·per·ate | \ ˈtem-p(ə-)rət

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

Other Words from temperate Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about temperate

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Synonyms & Antonyms for temperate

Synonyms

moderate

Antonyms

immoderate, intemperate

Examples of temperate in a Sentence

They had a temperate discussion. He is a temperate man.

Recent Examples on the Web

Forest restoration is also urgently needed in other types of forests across the world, such as seasonally dry tropical forests and temperate forests that are heavily managed for timber. — Robin Chazdon, Quartz Africa, "Scientists are mapping out how to restore tropical rainforests around the world," 7 July 2019 Alaska’s environment does not lend itself to the prolific game numbers found in more temperate climates. — Steve Meyer, Anchorage Daily News, "Is Alaska a good place for a big-game hunter? Yes and no.," 2 July 2019 The city is nearly 5,000 feet above sea level and usually maintains a temperate climate, Guy said. — Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, "Guadalajara, Mexico, blanketed in freak hailstorm," 1 July 2019 The city is nearly 5,000 feet above sea level and usually maintains a temperate climate, Guy said. — Christina Maxouris, CNN, "A Mexican city was covered in ice after a freakish summer hailstorm," 1 July 2019 Fly Up to Fox Glacier for an Icy Adventure There are only two places in the world where glaciers drop down all the way to temperate rainforests instead of thriving only on remote mountain peaks, and New Zealand is one of them. — Liz Carlson, Outside Online, "8 Can't-Miss New Zealand Adventures," 24 June 2019 Tropical rainforests are found near the equator, with high average temperatures and humidity, while temperate rainforests lie mostly in coastal, mountainous areas within the mid-latitudes. — Christina Nunez, National Geographic, "Rainforests, explained," 15 May 2019 While Americans tend to associate brown bears with temperate, coniferous forests, there are global populations in places as dry and barren as the Gobi Desert. — Brent Crane, Discover Magazine, "Grizzly Bears Might Return to California. Is the State Ready?," 12 Mar. 2019 But for this urban dweller, an Appalachian temperate rainforest was enough to rouse a faint tug of dread—in a good way. — Mark Rozzo, Town & Country, "Introducing Blackberry Mountain, the Idyllic New Resort from Blackberry Farm," 11 Feb. 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.

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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