temperate

[ tem-per-it, tem-prit ]

adjective

1. moderate or self-restrained; not extreme in opinion, statement, etc.:

   a temperate response to an insulting challenge.

   Synonyms: dispassionate, sober

2. moderate as regards indulgence of appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors.
3. not excessive in degree, as things, qualities, etc.
4. moderate in respect to temperature; not subject to prolonged extremes of hot or cold weather.
5. Microbiology. (of a virus) existing in infected host cells but rarely causing lysis.

temperate

/ ˈtɛmprɪt; ˈtɛmpərɪt /

adjective

1. having a climate intermediate between tropical and polar; moderate or mild in temperature
2. mild in quality or character; exhibiting temperance

temperate

/ tĕm′pər-ĭt /

1. Marked by moderate temperatures, weather, or climate.

Derived Forms

• ˈtemperately, adverb
• ˈtemperateness, noun

Other Words From

• temper·ate·ly adverb
• temper·ate·ness noun
• non·temper·ate adjective
• non·temper·ate·ly adverb
• non·temper·ate·ness noun
• pre·temper·ate adjective
• pre·temper·ate·ly adverb
• un·temper·ate adjective
• un·temper·ate·ly adverb
• un·temper·ate·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of temperate¹

1350–1400; Middle English temperat < Latin temperātus, past participle of temperāre to exercise restraint, control. See temper, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of temperate¹

C14: from Latin temperātus

Synonym Study

See moderate.

Example Sentences

“We go overboard because we haven’t learned how to temperate our appetite for memory.”

From Slate

“We have the sea and mile-high mountains all in our front and backyards. Our weather is always temperate.”

From Los Angeles Times

Thankfully, L.A. is an enticing place to grow older, and not just because of the temperate climate.

From Los Angeles Times

Trees are at risk in 192 countries, with clearing land for farming and logging the biggest threat and, in temperate regions, pests and diseases.

From BBC

Unlike the prevailing winds in Southern California, which flow generally from west to east, carrying temperate air from the Pacific, the Santa Anas flow from northeast to southwest out of the Mojave Desert.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agreeable
• balmy
• levelheaded
• mild
• pleasant
• restrained
• sober