tempered
Americanadjective
-
having a temper or disposition of a specified character (usually used in combination).
a good-tempered child.
-
Music. tuned in accordance with some other temperament than just or pure temperament, especially tuned in equal temperament.
-
made less intense or violent, especially by the influence of something good or benign.
justice tempered with mercy.
-
properly moistened or mixed, as clay.
-
Metallurgy. of or relating to steel or cast iron that has been tempered.
adjective
-
music
-
(of a scale) having the frequency differences between notes adjusted in accordance with the system of equal temperament See temperament
-
(of an interval) expanded or contracted from the state of being pure
-
-
(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.
Lovesac tempered its outlook for the year as it widened its loss during the recent quarter, up against a continually challenging backdrop.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
AI enthusiasm was tempered by fresh skirmishes between the U.S. and Iran early in the day.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
But too much inconsistency has tempered once-sky-high expectations.
From MarketWatch • May 31, 2026
However, they soon tempered expectations, with Tehran cautioning a deal was "not imminent", while Trump said he had instructed his negotiators "not to rush into" one.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
Yet they were themselves not toys; they were made of the finest tempered steel, like the tools of a watchmaker or a dentist.
From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien
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.
