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
- nontempered adjective
- untempered adjective
Etymology
Origin of tempered
Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; temper, -ed 2, -ed 3
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.
The data come after ISM reported earlier this week that manufacturing activity grew at the fastest pace since 2022, though the positive reading was tempered by cautionary commentary about tariff-related price increases.
“While the positives are notable, our enthusiasm is tempered by the market’s tendency to place greater emphasis on revenues and flows, both of which were lackluster or broadly in line,” the analysts write.
It was a meeting typical of what everyone had come to expect from Mullineaux—warnings of danger cushioned in a peaceful voice, wild fears and rumors tempered by the limits of past eruptions.
From Literature
The structure of the deal might have something to do with the tempered, albeit enthusiastic, reception.
From Barron's
In a country known for its tempered approach to homegrown entertainment, TV studios are typically careful about which shows they invest in and how.
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.
