tempered

[ tem-perd ]

/ ˈtɛm pərd /

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See synonyms for tempered on Thesaurus.com

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.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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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

Even the new Treasury secretary, Janet Yellen, has generated tempered optimism.
The Return of the Regulators|by Jesse Eisinger|February 2, 2021|ProPublica
It can take a while to collect a full charge, but it is equipped with tempered steel blades and thirteen attachments to keep you looking fresh and clean.
The best beard trimmer: Shape your facial hair with ease|Carsen Joenk|January 19, 2021|Popular-Science
Yeedi’s K650 automated vacuum – boasting bigger suction, less noise, high-efficiency filtration, and made of durable anti-scratch tempered glass – lessens the Cinderell-y workload while you work from home.
The ultimate guide to queer gift giving 2020|Mikey Rox|December 4, 2020|Washington Blade
They should not regain the snap of tempered chocolate — soft is preferable here.
Tahini stands in for peanut butter in these nostalgic sesame blossoms|Kathryn Pauline|December 2, 2020|Washington Post

Yet this enthusiasm was more tempered in subsequent reports.
History reminds us that vaccines alone don’t end pandemics|E. Thomas Ewing|November 30, 2020|Washington Post
He describes them as building a wall and then putting some untempered stuff, a whitewash, upon the wall.
The Prophet Ezekiel|Arno C. Gaebelein
Kerk's attitude was completely emotional, untempered by the slightest touch of logic.
Deathworld|Harry Harrison
The wind was pitiless, untempered even by the shelter of a tree or barn.
Europe from a Motor Car|Russell Richardson
The raw, untempered glare of the sun was giving place to a limitless pour of silvery moonlight.
Brand Blotters|William MacLeod Raine
She had also, with the untempered candour of eighteen, suggested to Fay that she should cease to make a slave of Magdalen.
Prisoners|Mary Cholmondeley

British Dictionary definitions for tempered

tempered

/ (ˈtɛmpəd) /

adjective

music

(of a scale) having the frequency differences between notes adjusted in accordance with the system of equal temperamentSee temperament
(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

tempered

Origin of tempered

OTHER WORDS FROM tempered

Words related to tempered

How to use tempered in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tempered