Word
temperate
Phoneticstem·per·ate, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɛmpɝət/
UK/tˈɛmpəɹət/
Definitions
01climate/weather
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science
adj. describing a place where the weather is mild — it is never extremely hot or extremely cold.
adj. relating to a climate characterized by mild temperatures, lacking the extremes of the tropical or polar regions.
“The country has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters.”
“Plants from temperate regions often require a period of winter dormancy to thrive during the subsequent growing season.”
Usage
Usually precedes the noun 'climate' or 'zone'.
02behavior/habits
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. showing self-control; not eating or drinking too much, and staying calm.
adj. showing moderation or self-restraint in actions, speech, or consumption of food and alcohol.
“He was known for his temperate habits and never drank more than one glass of wine.”
“The senator's temperate response to the accusations helped de-escalate the political tension before the evening news cycle.”
Teaching tip
In modern English, this sense is quite formal; 'moderate' or 'restrained' are more common in everyday speech.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“In a country like Spain, it’s easy to blame the climate and assume that people stick to areas with more temperate ones, without the extremes of unbearably hot summers and freezing cold winters.” “But Watford fans were able to enjoy both temperate weather and a decent performance.” “In normally temperate Zurich, it averaged 37 degrees.” Etymology
The adjective is first attested in 1380, in Middle English, the verb in 1540; borrowed from Latin temperātus, perfect passive participle of temperō (“to moderate, forbear, combine properly”), see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and -ate (verb-forming suffix). See temper. Displaced native Old English ġemetegod.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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