Meaning of the word temper in English

What does temper mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

temper

US /ˈtem.pɚ/

UK /ˈtem.pɚ/

a person's state of mind seen in terms of their being angry or calm

Example:

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He has a very bad temper.

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She lost her temper and shouted at him.

Synonym:

disposition mood temperament humor state of mind

a tendency to become angry easily

Example:

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He has a short temper.

•

Beware of his quick temper.

Synonym:

irritability petulance irascibility peevishness sulkiness

improve the hardness and elasticity of (steel or other metal) by reheating and then cooling it

Example:

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The blacksmith will temper the steel to make it stronger.

•

The blades were carefully tempered for optimal performance.

Synonym:

harden strengthen toughen anneal

act as a neutralizing or counterbalancing force to (something)

Example:

•

He tried to temper his anger with reason.

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The good news was tempered by a note of caution.

Synonym:

moderate mitigate alleviate soften mollify

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Related Word:

temperate bad-tempered even-tempered