Meaning & Definition of word "Temper"

Temper

/ˈtɛmpər/

1. A person's state of mind or emotions; disposition.
- Example: She smiled, trying to keep her temper in check despite the frustrating situation.
2. The condition of a material, especially the degree of hardness or toughness.
- Example: The blacksmith took great care in adjusting the temper of the steel to ensure its durability.
3. A characteristic mood or disposition; often refers to anger.
- Example: His quick temper often got him into trouble with his colleagues.

1. To soften or strengthen a material by heating and cooling it.
- Example: The artisan will temper the glass to make it more resistant to breaking.
2. To moderate or mitigate something, especially to bring something into balance.
- Example: She tried to temper her enthusiasm with a dose of realism.

Middle English, from Old French 'tempre', from Latin 'temperare', meaning 'to moderate, mix, or blend'.

keep your temper:

To remain calm and not get angry.

losing your temper:

To become unexpectedly angry.

a bad temper:

A tendency to become angry easily.

temper with something:

To alter or modify something.

temperament:

A person's characteristic mood or behavior.

temperate:

Moderate in behavior or attitude, especially relating to climate.

temperance:

Moderation or self-restraint, especially in eating or drinking.

Meaning: Hot temper

Example Sentence: He's got a hot temper; it doesn't take much to set him off.

Meaning: Short fuse

Example Sentence: Watch out for her; she has a short fuse and can blow up at any moment.