Dictionary.com

tempered

[ tem-perd ]
/ ˈtɛm pərd /
Save This Word!

adjective
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.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of tempered

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at temper, -ed2, -ed3

OTHER WORDS FROM tempered

non·tem·pered, adjectiveun·tem·pered, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tempered in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tempered

tempered
/ (ˈtɛmpəd) /

adjective
music
  1. (of a scale) having the frequency differences between notes adjusted in accordance with the system of equal temperamentSee temperament
  2. (of an interval) expanded or contracted from the state of being pure
(in combination) having a temper or temperament as specifiedill-tempered
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK