Tempered - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Tempered means to modify or adjust something to achieve a desired quality, often by adding balance or moderation. It can describe metals hardened by heat or emotions softened by restraint.
Definition:
Made less intense or extreme by mixing or balancing with something else.
Synonyms:
moderated, adjusted, balanced, toned down
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb
Antonyms:
extreme, unmodified, intensified
Common Collocations:
tempered steel, tempered enthusiasm, tempered glass
Derivatives:
tempering, temperance, temperamental
Usage Tips:
Use "tempered" to describe something softened or balanced, like emotions or materials like glass or metal.
Common Phrases:
tempered with caution, well-tempered clavier, ill-tempered remark
Etymology:
From Latin "temperare," meaning to mix or regulate; influenced by Old French "temprer."
Examples:
- 1. The blacksmith tempered the steel to make it stronger.
- 2. Her excitement was tempered by the news of bad weather.
- 3. He spoke in a tempered voice to avoid upsetting anyone.
- 4. Tempered glass is safer because it shatters into small pieces.