Temperate
/ˈtɛmpərɪt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Temperate means having moderate weather, not too hot and not too cold. It can also describe a person's behavior when they are calm and controlled, not showing strong or extreme emotions.
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See It in Action
Describing climate or weather that is mild and moderate
- •The temperate climate of this region allows many types of plants to grow.
- •Temperate zones have four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
- •People often enjoy living in temperate areas because the weather is comfortable.
Describing behavior or actions that are calm and moderate
- •She spoke in a temperate tone, avoiding anger or excitement.
- •His temperate reaction helped solve the problem peacefully.
- •Being temperate in habits means not doing things too much or too little.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "temperate" like "nice" weather, but more specific—it means the weather is not too hot or cold, just comfortable
- ✓Picture a spring day with gentle sunshine and cool breeze, not too warm or cold
- ✓It feels like when someone stays calm and does not get angry or upset easily
- ✓Sounds like "TEM-per-it" → imagine a person gently tapping a drum to keep a steady, calm beat
- ✓Think of places like parts of Europe or the U.S. where seasons change but none are too extreme
- ✓NOT like "hot" or "cold" (extreme temperatures), temperate means in the middle and balanced
- ✓NOT like "wild" or "crazy" behavior, temperate means calm and controlled actions
- ✓NOT like "tropical" (very hot and humid), temperate climates are cooler and more moderate
Try Other Words
- •Moderate: average or medium level (Use when talking about something not extreme or very strong)
- •Calm: peaceful and quiet (Use when describing behavior or emotions)
- •Gentle: soft and kind (Use when describing mild weather or soft actions)
- •Balanced: steady and equal (Use when emphasizing fairness or stability)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "temper-" (from Latin meaning to mix or moderate) + "-ate" (adjective suffix)
- •Etymology: From Latin "temperatus," meaning to be moderated or kept within limits
- •Historical development: Originally used to describe balanced mixtures, later used for climate and behavior
- •Modern usage: Commonly describes climates that are not extreme and people’s calm, self-controlled behavior
- •Interesting fact: The word "temperature" shares the same root, relating to balanced heat
Reflect & Connect
•How can being temperate in your emotions help in difficult situations?
•Can you think of a place you have visited or lived that has a temperate climate? How did it feel?
Fill in the blanks
1.A temperate climate usually ___ very hot summers or very cold winters.
2.People in temperate regions often ___ different seasons during the year.
3.When someone is temperate, they ___ strong anger or excitement in their actions.
4.Unlike tropical climates, temperate zones have ___ weather changes.
5.A temperate person is likely to make ___ decisions without rushing.
6.You would describe a day with light rain and mild wind as a ___ day.
7.Being temperate in eating means you ___ eat too much or too little.