temperate

[tem-per-it, tem-prit]

adjective

1. moderate or self-restrained; not extreme in opinion, statement, etc..

   a temperate response to an insulting challenge.

   Synonyms: dispassionate, sober

2. moderate as regards indulgence of appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors.

3. not excessive in degree, as things, qualities, etc.

4. moderate in respect to temperature; not subject to prolonged extremes of hot or cold weather.

5. Microbiology.,  (of a virus) existing in infected host cells but rarely causing lysis.

temperate

/ ˈtɛmprɪt, ˈtɛmpərɪt /

adjective

1. having a climate intermediate between tropical and polar; moderate or mild in temperature

2. mild in quality or character; exhibiting temperance

temperate

1. Marked by moderate temperatures, weather, or climate.

Other Word Forms

• temperately adverb
• temperateness noun
• nontemperate adjective
• nontemperately adverb
• nontemperateness noun
• pretemperate adjective
• pretemperately adverb
• untemperate adjective
• untemperately adverb
• untemperateness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of temperate¹

1350–1400; Middle English temperat < Latin temperātus, past participle of temperāre to exercise restraint, control. See temper, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of temperate¹

C14: from Latin temperātus

Synonym Study

See moderate.

Example Sentences

Buildings in the UK are built to retain heat in a temperate climate, with energy efficiency regulations for new dwellings now requiring improved insulation to reduce the need for heating in winter.

From BBC

In temperate California, experts say the risk is year-round.

From Los Angeles Times

Between the abundant wildlife, gleaming glaciers, craggy mountains, temperate rainforests and endless waterfalls and coastline, Alaska is a nature lover’s dream.

From Salon

Hot countries like India - which has around two months of summer holiday - tend to have longer breaks, while more temperate countries often go shorter.

From BBC

We were both from the East Coast, so we appreciated L.A.’s laid-back vibe and the temperate weather.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agreeable 
• balmy 
• levelheaded 
• mild 
• pleasant 
• restrained 
• sober