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temper

n. · v.
US //ˈtɛmpɝ// UK //tˈɛmpɐ// tem·per
  1. 1 tendency to get angry (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the tendency to become angry very quickly.

    a person's state of mind regarding their susceptibility to anger or irritability.

    Example

    He has a very short temper and starts shouting when things go wrong.

    Example

    The manager was known for his volatile temper, which often led to impulsive decisions during high-pressure meetings.
    Pitfall
    He has a short temperance.
    He has a short temper.

    Temperance refers to self-restraint regarding alcohol; temper is the word for a person's mood or anger.

  2. 2 a fit of anger (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a sudden period of being very angry.

    an outburst or fit of rage; often used with 'lose' or 'fly into'.

    Example

    She lost her temper when she found out they had lied to her.

    Example

    After hours of fruitless negotiation, the diplomat finally lost his temper and walked out of the room.
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  1. 3 calmness (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a calm and controlled state of mind.

    the state of being composed or maintaining equanimity under pressure.

    Example

    It is important to keep your temper even when people are being rude.

    Example

    Despite the provocative questions from the press, the minister managed to keep her temper throughout the briefing.
  2. 4 to moderate or soften (v.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

    to make something less severe or less strong.

    to moderate or mitigate the intensity of something by adding a counterbalancing element.

    Example

    You should temper your criticism with some praise so they don't feel discouraged.

    Example

    The central bank decided to temper its optimistic growth forecast with a warning about rising inflation rates.
  3. 5 to strengthen metal (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    to heat and then cool metal to make it harder and stronger.

    to improve the hardness and elasticity of a metal, particularly steel, through a process of reheating and controlled cooling.

    Example

    The blacksmith tempered the sword to ensure the blade would not break in battle.

    Example

    Modern industrial processes allow engineers to temper steel components to precise specifications for use in aerospace construction.
  4. 6 cooking technique (v.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Cooking

    to slowly bring a cold ingredient to a higher temperature so it stays smooth.

    to gradually raise the temperature of a cold or room-temperature ingredient by adding small amounts of a hot liquid to prevent curdling or seizing.

    Example

    You must temper the eggs by adding a little hot milk before pouring them into the pot.

    Example

    To achieve a glossy finish on the chocolate truffles, the pastry chef had to temper the cocoa butter with extreme precision.
Origin

From Middle English temperen, tempren, from Old English ġetemprian, temprian, borrowed from Latin temperō (“I divide or proportion duly, I moderate, I regulate; intransitive senses I am moderate, I am temperate”), from tempus (“time, fit season”). Compare also French tempérer. Doublet of tamper. See temporal.

Idioms4 entries

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