Tempered

/ˈtɛmpərd/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to moderate or mitigate the impact of something.
He attempted to temper his enthusiasm with a sense of realism.
to strengthen or toughen (a material, especially metal) by heating and then cooling it.
The blacksmith tempered the iron to improve its durability.
adjective
having a moderate or restrained quality; not extreme.
She had a tempered response to the criticism, choosing to remain calm and thoughtful.
improved in strength or quality by the addition of a specific element.
The tempered steel is much stronger than regular steel, making it ideal for construction.
matched with a suitable or appropriate element.
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

Slang Meanings

Slow to anger or react.
He's pretty tempered; it takes a lot to get him riled up.
Having a cool demeanor under stress.
She was so tempered during the crisis that everyone felt calm.