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
nounExplore M-W
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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According to its nominating document, the park protects one of the last intact swathes of the Valdivian Temperate Woods, the only temperate forest ecosystem in Central and South America.
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In the temperate eyes of state law, driving on drugs –
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The Pacific Northwest is home to pockets of temperate rainforest where liquid sunshine creates an artist’s palette of greens.
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Green roofs can be installed anywhere, whether in tropical or temperate climates.
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All people in the study lived in a temperate climate zone, with mild summers and moderately cool winters; whether the findings would be similar for people in other climates was not tested.
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Meanwhile, the forest moon Endor orbits the temperate zone of a gas giant and a diminutive Jedi master trains in a world covered by an unchanging bog.
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
First Known Use: 14th century
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
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