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Synonyms

even-tempered

American  
[ee-vuhn-tem-perd] / ˈi vənˈtɛm pərd /

adjective

  1. not easily ruffled, annoyed, or disturbed; calm.

even-tempered British  

adjective

  1. not easily angered or excited; calm

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of even-tempered

First recorded in 1870–75

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.

Despite her occupation, Marge embodies the spirit of “Minnesota nice” — the phrase used to describe the overly polite, friendly and even-tempered manner of Minnesota residents.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2026

Initially seen as meek and even-tempered, the layers have been pulled back to show something different.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2025

Our naturally big-smiling and even-tempered son came home and looked like he was going to scream.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

But for the most part, the exchanges on stage were even-tempered.

From BBC • Oct. 2, 2024

He doesn’t seem well suited to the life of a pastor, where you should be even-tempered and sociable.

From "Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers" by Deborah Heiligman

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.