ENGLISH
REFERENCE

temperament

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˈtɛmpɝmənt// UK //tˈɛmpɹəmənt// tem·per·a·ment Archaic

n. the part of your character that affects your mood and how you behave. It is usually something you are born with rather than something you learn.

n. the combination of mental, physical, and emotional traits of a person; a natural predisposition. Often used to describe the inherent nature of an individual rather than learned behaviors.


SIMPLE

She has a very calm and steady temperament.

CONTEXTUAL

The breeder selects puppies based on their temperament to ensure they are suitable for families with young children.

COMPLEX

While her sister was prone to sudden outbursts of anger, Elena possessed a sanguine temperament that allowed her to remain composed even during the most stressful negotiations.

Synonyms
Origin

Inherited from Middle English temperament, borrowed from Middle French tempérament, from Latin temperāmentum.

Usage

Often modified by adjectives such as 'artistic', 'nervous', or 'fiery'. In a technical musical context, it refers to a system of tuning.

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