temper

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a sudden outburst of anger
  2. noun a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
  3. noun a disposition to exhibit uncontrolled anger

Etymology

From Middle English temperen, tempren, from Old English ġetemprian, temprian, borrowed from Latin temperō (“(transitive) to divide or proportion duly, to moderate, to regulate; (intransitive) to be moderate, temperate”), from tempus (“time, fit season”). Compare also French tempérer. Doublet of tamper. See temporal.

In classic literature

Synonyms

pique, irritation

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