Meaning & Definition of word "Tempered"
to
Tempered
/ˈtɛmpərd/
verb:
- 1. to moderate or mitigate the impact of something.
- Example: He attempted to temper his enthusiasm with a sense of realism.
- 2. to strengthen or toughen (a material, especially metal) by heating and then cooling it.
- Example: The blacksmith tempered the iron to improve its durability.
adjective:
- 1. having a moderate or restrained quality; not extreme.
- Example: She had a tempered response to the criticism, choosing to remain calm and thoughtful.
- 2. improved in strength or quality by the addition of a specific element.
- Example: The tempered steel is much stronger than regular steel, making it ideal for construction.
- 3. matched with a suitable or appropriate element.
- Example: The artist's tempered use of color created a beautiful balance in the painting.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'temprer', from Latin 'temperare', meaning to mix, moderate.
Common Phrases and Expressions
tempered steel:
Steel that has been heat-treated to improve strength and durability.
well-tempered:
Having a balanced and moderate temperament.
bad-tempered:
Showcasing a tendency to become angry easily.
Related Words
temper:
The mood or emotional state of a person.
temperament:
The nature or personality of a person, particularly in terms of their emotional response.
temperature:
A measure of how hot or cold something is, often influencing physical state.
Slang Meanings of tempered
Meaning: Slow to anger or react.
Example Sentence: He's pretty tempered; it takes a lot to get him riled up.
Meaning: Having a cool demeanor under stress.
Example Sentence: She was so tempered during the crisis that everyone felt calm.