tempered

American  

[tem-perd] / ˈtɛm pərd /

adjective

1. having a temper or disposition of a specified character (usually used in combination).

   a good-tempered child.

2. Music. tuned in accordance with some other temperament than just or pure temperament, especially tuned in equal temperament.

3. made less intense or violent, especially by the influence of something good or benign.

   justice tempered with mercy.

4. properly moistened or mixed, as clay.

5. Metallurgy. of or relating to steel or cast iron that has been tempered.

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tempered British  

/ ˈtɛmpəd /

adjective

1. music

   1. (of a scale) having the frequency differences between notes adjusted in accordance with the system of equal temperament See temperament

   2. (of an interval) expanded or contracted from the state of being pure

2. (in combination) having a temper or temperament as specified

   ill-tempered

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Other Word Forms

• nontempered adjective
• untempered adjective

Etymology

Origin of tempered

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; temper, -ed ², -ed ³

Example Sentences

Yet Williams' personal achievements are tempered somewhat by Forest's collective difficulties.

From BBC

Iran’s denial it’s in talks with the U.S. tempered early losses.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Powell tempered the optimism, noting AI is currently pushing inflation up, not down.

From Barron's

Yet enthusiasm among doctors remains tempered by caution.

From BBC

I was wary about running into Anna May, but luckily James was at the counter, and the huge grin he cracked tempered my uneasiness.

From Literature

Related Words

• balmy
• benign
• bland
• breezy
• calm
• cool
• delicate
• mellow
• moderate
• peaceful
• smooth
• soft
• sunny
• tepid
• warm
• weak