tempered

[tem-perd]

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.

tempered

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• nontempered adjective
• untempered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tempered¹

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

Example Sentences

But, they added: "Our hope is tempered by great fear."

From BBC

The house will be better shielded against fire, Abraham said, with concrete roof tiles, tempered windows, sprinklers and enclosed eaves.

From Los Angeles Times

So much of Calloway’s persona rested on her brilliant ideas tempered by charming ineptitude, her devil-may-care approach to her own fame.

From Los Angeles Times

But by July 2024 he had tempered his views, telling the BBC that he believed it existed but only "on the edges".

From BBC

A ragged anger dominates Jones’ energy, but it’s tempered with loving determination.

From Salon

Related Words

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