attemper
Americanverb (used with object)
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to modify or moderate by mixing or blending with something different or opposite.
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to regulate or modify the temperature of.
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to soothe; mollify; mitigate.
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to accommodate; adapt (usually followed byto ).
verb
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to modify by blending; temper
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to moderate or soothe
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to accommodate or bring into harmony
Other Word Forms
- attemperment noun
- unattempered adjective
Etymology
Origin of attemper
1325–75; Middle English attemperen < Latin attemperāre to adjust ( at-, temper ); replacing Middle English attempren < Middle French attemprer < Latin, as above
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We should blunt our sharp points, and unravel the complications of things; we should attemper our brightness,
From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022
Lifted sashes and lofty ceilings were insufficient to attemper it.
From Arthur Mervyn Or, Memoirs of the Year 1793 by Brown, Charles Brockden
They are sometimes a little faulty in rhyme and melody: but they are never lame from imbecility. ——he has the happiest wit, Who has discretion to attemper it.
From Bibliomania; or Book-Madness A Bibliographical Romance by Dibdin, Thomas Frognall
These unite with and attemper one another, so that we doubt when we should, we aim at certainty when we should, and we submit when we should.”
From Pascal by Oliphant, Mrs. (Margaret)
To this end, The Cooler, and moderately refreſhing, ſhould be choſen to extinguiſh Thirſt, attemper the Blood, repreſs Vapours, &c.
From Acetaria: A Discourse of Sallets by Evelyn, John
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
