intemperate

American  

[in-tem-per-it, -prit] / ɪnˈtɛm pər ɪt, -prɪt /

adjective

1. given to or characterized by excessive or immoderate indulgence in alcoholic beverages.

2. immoderate in indulgence of appetite or passion.

3. not temperate; unrestrained; unbridled.

4. extreme in temperature, as climate.

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intemperate British  

/ -prɪt, ɪnˈtɛmpərɪt /

adjective

1. consuming alcoholic drink habitually or to excess

2. indulging bodily appetites to excess; immoderate

3. unrestrained

   intemperate rage

4. extreme or severe

   an intemperate climate

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Other Word Forms

• intemperance noun
• intemperately adverb
• intemperateness noun

Etymology

Origin of intemperate

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word intemperātus. See in- ³, temperate

Example Sentences

His intemperate public remarks sparked international outrage, creating crises his subordinates were forced to repair.

From Salon

They can start with the easy stuff, the often intemperate and poorly researched opposition to everything he does.

From The Wall Street Journal

“He apologized for being intemperate. We both smiled, and the matter was resolved.”

From The Wall Street Journal

An apocryphal story has George Washington breakfasting with Thomas Jefferson and referring to the Senate as a saucer intended to cool the passions of the intemperate lower chamber.

From Los Angeles Times

Judge James Boasberg repeatedly clashed with justice department attorney Drew Ensign during a court hearing in Washington DC, saying he was not used to such "intemperate, disrespectful language" in government filings.

From BBC

Related Words

• unrestrained