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

In an offseason of wide possibilities, but thus far tempered expectations from the Dodgers’ front office, Cody Bellinger represents something of a wild card in the team’s winter plans.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But no careful observer was likely to accuse Lady Constance Ashton of being patient and sweet tempered.

Read more on Literature

But my good news was tempered by a bittersweet reality.

Read more on Literature

In an offseason of wide possibilities, but thus far tempered expectations from the Dodgers’ front office, Bellinger represents something of a wild card in the team’s potential winter plans.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Still, sentiment could be tempered by an ongoing legal case, she notes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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