Temper Meaning
/ˈtɛmpə/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA general tendency or orientation towards a certain type of mood, a volatile state; a habitual way of thinking, behaving or reacting.
nounState of mind; mood.
Sentence Examples
My brother-in-law is ready to lose his temper at trifles.
I can't take this anymore. I've lost my temper completely.
CEFR Practice Quiz
His quick ____ caused him to shout at the waiter for a small mistake.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He needs to learn how to control his ____ because he often gets angry over very small and unimportant things today.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English temperen, tempren, from Old English ġetemprian, temprian, borrowed from Latin temperō (“(transitive) to divide or proportion duly, to moderate, to regulate; (intransitive) to be moderate, temperate”), from tempus (“time, fit season”). Compare also French tempérer. Doublet of tamper. See temporal.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"A noble temper dost thou show in this;"
— c. 1596 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Iohn”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene ii]:
"And it was peculiar in their Temper, that they were fonder of what they could get by Rapine or Stealth at a greater diſtance, than much better Food provided for them at home."
— 1726 October 28, [Jonathan Swift], “The Author’s Great Love of His Native Country. […]”, in Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World. […] [Gulliver’s Travels], volume II, London: […] Benj[amin] Motte, […], →OCLC, part IV (A Voyage to the Houyhnhnms), page 262:
"[…] when she smiled, the Sweetness of her Temper diffused that Glory over her Countenance, which no Regularity of Features can give."
— 1749, Henry Fielding, chapter 2, in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC, book IV, page 141:
"I am of a cautious temper, and unwilling to risk my happiness in a hurry."
— 1814 May 9, [Jane Austen], chapter IV, in Mansfield Park: […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), London: […] [George Sidney] for T[homas] Egerton, […], →OCLC:
"[…] Amy smiled without bitterness, for she possessed a happy temper and hopeful spirit."
— 1868–1869, Louisa M[ay] Alcott, chapter 26, in Little Women: […], (please specify |part=1 or 2), Boston, Mass.: Roberts Brothers, →OCLC:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
His quick ____ caused him to shout at the waiter for a small mistake.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
He needs to learn how to control his ____ because he often gets angry over very small and unimportant things today.