temperance

[ tem-per-uhns, tem-pruhns ]

noun

1. moderation or self-restraint in action, statement, etc.; self-control.
2. habitual moderation in the indulgence of a natural appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors.
3. total abstinence from alcoholic liquors.

temperance

/ ˈtɛmpərəns /

noun

1. restraint or moderation, esp in yielding to one's appetites or desires
2. abstinence from alcoholic drink

Other Words From

• anti·temper·ance adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of temperance¹

1200–50; Middle English temperaunce < Anglo-French < Latin temperantia self-control. See temper, -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of temperance¹

C14: from Latin temperantia, from temperāre to regulate

Example Sentences

They recognized actual social change as extending beyond the idea of temperance, which they saw as a necessary but insufficient condition for improving the U.S. social order during the mid-19th century.

From Salon

Early Free Methodists were active in the temperance and abolitionist movements.

From Seattle Times

Whether teetotaling, temperance or virgin, they’re just drinks, after all — though I suppose their intricacy beyond fresh-squeezed juice demands we label them something nobler.

From Salon

The school encouraged people to cultivate virtues that included temperance, courage, justice and wisdom.

From Salon

In Scotland, it was cooler, and in Wales, social forces were gathering against it, including the temperance movement.

From New York Times