tempered
Americanadjective
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having a temper or disposition of a specified character (usually used in combination).
a good-tempered child.
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Music. tuned in accordance with some other temperament than just or pure temperament, especially tuned in equal temperament.
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made less intense or violent, especially by the influence of something good or benign.
justice tempered with mercy.
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properly moistened or mixed, as clay.
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Metallurgy. of or relating to steel or cast iron that has been tempered.
adjective
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music
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(of a scale) having the frequency differences between notes adjusted in accordance with the system of equal temperament See temperament
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(of an interval) expanded or contracted from the state of being pure
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(in combination) having a temper or temperament as specified
ill-tempered
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of tempered
Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at temper, -ed 2, -ed 3
Explanation
Whether referring to steel or a person's spirit, the word tempered describes something strengthened, balanced, or moderated through the influence of heat, hardship, or some counteracting force. The word tempered originates from the Latin temperare, meaning "to mix in due proportion." In a workshop, a blacksmith creates tempered steel by heating and cooling the metal to achieve the ideal balance of hardness and flexibility. Beyond the forge, the word describes people who have grown resilient through enduring life's hardships. But the word can also describe a softening of something harsh by a moderating influence, as sorrow may be tempered by kindness or justice tempered with mercy.
Vocabulary lists containing tempered
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.
Every grog tempered vessel examined by the researchers contained what is known as multigenerational grog, in which one fragment of grog contains an even older piece of grog inside it.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
A softer-than-expected U.S. personal-consumption expenditures reading released end-September likely tempered Federal Reserve rate-hike bets in October, Société Générale says in a note.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026
Stocks mostly rose Wednesday following a plunge in oil prices the previous day, though the gains were tempered by a slight recovery in the commodity in Asian trading.
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
Yet, the gains are tempered by some serious challenges.
From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026
Every earthly joy, however, is tempered by sadness.
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
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.
