Temper Definition
tĕmpər
tempered, tempers
verb
tempered, tempers
To make suitable, desirable, or free from excess by mingling with something else; reduce in intensity, esp. by the admixture of some other quality; moderate; assuage; mollify.
To temper criticism with reason.
Webster's New World
To modify by the addition of a moderating element; moderate.
American Heritage
To bring to the proper texture, consistency, hardness, etc. by mixing with something or treating in some way.
To temper paints with oil, to temper steel by heating and sudden cooling, to temper clay by moistening and kneading.
Webster's New World
To harden or strengthen (metal or glass) by application of heat or by heating and cooling.
American Heritage
To be or become tempered.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
noun
tempers
Frame of mind; disposition; mood.
In a bad temper.
Webster's New World
Calmness of mind; composure.
Webster's New World
A tendency to become angry readily.
To have a temper.
Webster's New World
The state of being tempered.
Webster's New World
Anger; rage.
To go into a temper.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
- go-bananas
- fly-off-the-handle
- get mad
- become angry
- remain calm
- cantankerousness
- huffiness
- grouchiness
- not become angry
- compose oneself
- control oneself
- tartness
- sullenness
- churlishness
- crossness
Origin of Temper
-
From Middle English temperen, from Old English *temprian, from Latin temperare (“to divide or proportion duly, mingle in due proportion, qualify, temper, regulate, rule, intransitive observe measure, be moderate or temperate"), from tempus (“time, fit season"); see temporal.
From Wiktionary
Middle English temperen from Old English temprian from Latin temperāre probably from variant of tempus tempor- time, season
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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