Definition of temperate
1a : having a moderate climate which especially lacks extremes in temperatureb : found in or associated with a moderate climate temperate insects
2 : marked by moderation: such asa : keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive : mildb : moderate in indulgence of appetite or desirec : moderate in the use of alcoholic beveragesd : 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
adverbtemperateness
nounFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of temperate in a Sentence
They had a temperate discussion.
He is a temperate man.
Recent Examples of temperate from the Web
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Temperate plants should be allowed to go into dormancy during the winter by reducing water, temperature and light levels. Outdoors in containers:
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Locals say swimming in Mykonos in May would be too cold, while Porto Heli is rather temperate.
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Still, humans continue to relocate to warm places like the Southwest, drawn by the temperate climate.
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While one blandly chilly day bled into the next, the relentless blizzard of scandals emerging from the inchoate presidential administration intensified the season's slate-gray gloom, giving otherwise temperate afternoons a forbidding atmosphere.
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Lucky for those who have to endure chilly winters, the best time to visit is between January and March, when the weather is temperate and not too humid.
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On rare occasions, the nighttime sky at Earth’s temperate latitudes becomes bright enough, even on moonless nights, for people to read a book.
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ICESat-2 will provide data on Earth’s polar and temperate regions for ice scientists, forest ecologists and atmospheric scientists to analyze.
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On home turf, well-to-do Charlestonians ditched the swampy heat of South Carolina for temperate summer relief in Newport, Rhode Island from as early as the birth of the nation—
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.
Origin and Etymology of temperate
Middle English temperat, from Latin temperatus, from past participle of temperare
TEMPERATE Defined for English Language Learners
temperate
playDefinition of temperate for English Language Learners
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: having temperatures that are not too hot or too cold
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: emotionally calm and controlled
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: avoiding behavior that goes beyond what is normal, healthy, or acceptable
TEMPERATE Defined for Kids
temperate
playDefinition of temperate for Students
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
Medical Dictionary
temperate
playMedical 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
temperately
adverbLearn More about temperate
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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
Seen and Heard
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