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.
And his enthusiasm, which generally abounds, seems a bit tempered this time around.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
Investor expectations were tempered heading into the earnings release.
From Barron's • May 7, 2026
Not only has a slew of HR complaints tempered her icy remarks, but slashed budgets and declining readership have forced her hand.
From Salon • May 6, 2026
Yet she also sounds more tempered by reality than she did back then.
From Slate • May 1, 2026
Men whose will was tempered to a sharper edge might have done much better: talked more, shared the water more justly, given more ease to the sick, and kept their courage higher.
From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin
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.
