temperance
- 01 C2 Proficiency
the habit of controlling your behavior and not doing things to an extreme.
habitual moderation or self-restraint in action, thought, or feeling; the exercise of discipline over natural impulses.
Simple“The monk lived a life of temperance, eating only what he needed to survive.”
In context“The philosopher argued that temperance was the foundation of a virtuous life, requiring a constant balance between desire and reason.”
UsageUncountable in this abstract sense.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C2 Proficiency
the practice of drinking little or no alcohol.
moderation or total abstinence from alcoholic beverages, often associated with social or religious movements.
Simple“My great-grandfather joined a temperance society and never drank beer again.”
In context“During the nineteenth century, the temperance movement gained significant political power by highlighting the social costs of public drunkenness.”
UsageOften used as a modifier, as in 'temperance movement' or 'temperance hotel'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
a calm and controlled way of thinking or acting.
moderation of passion or emotion; a state of remaining calm and level-headed.
Simple“He showed great temperance by staying calm even when the customer was shouting.”
In context“The diplomat was praised for his temperance during the heated negotiations, never allowing his personal frustrations to cloud his judgment.”
SynonymscomposureequanimityAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
a specific card in a Tarot deck that shows a person pouring liquid between two cups.
the fourteenth trump or major arcana card in most traditional Tarot decks, symbolizing balance and patience.
Simple“She drew the Temperance card, which the reader said meant she needed to find balance.”
In context“In many occult traditions, the Temperance card depicts an angel standing with one foot on land and one in water, representing the union of opposites.”
From Anglo-Norman temperance, from Latin temperantia (“moderation, sobriety, discretion, self-control”), from temperans, present participle of temperare (“to moderate”). See temper. English equivalent temper + -ance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.