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 of temperate

• moderate

Examples of temperate in a Sentence

They had a temperate discussion.

He is a temperate man.

Recent Examples on the Web

In November or December, that is likely to change, as temperatures drop up north while the climate remains temperate here, and surf swells get notably more ridable. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

The controversy stems from the fact that Mars seems to have had temperate climate periods with rain that deeply altered the rocks, as well as widespread rivers and lakes that persisted for potentially millions of years. —Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026

Owing to its location in California’s temperate Northern Coast Range, the Avenue of the Giants is highly accessible all year round. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026

Tour more than a dozen outdoor gardens, including an herb garden, children's garden, and rose garden; tropical and temperate plants thrive in the 17,500-square-foot conservatory. —Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 9 Apr. 2026

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

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