temper

A tendency to become angry quickly.

• He has a short temper.
• She struggled to control her temper.
• His quick temper often caused arguments.

Similar words: irritability

Common phrases: short temper, bad temper, control your temper

A feeling or sudden burst of anger.

• She left in a temper.
• He slammed the door in a fit of temper.
• These sudden outbursts of temper frightened the children.

Similar words: anger, rage

Common phrases: fit of temper, outburst of temper, in a temper

Someone’s usual character and way of behaving.

• Her gentle temper won many friends.
• He was admired for his cheerful temper.
• A naturally calm temper helped her lead the team.

Similar words: disposition, temperament, nature

Common phrases: gentle temper, genial temper, calm temper, good temper

To make something less strong, extreme, or forceful.

• The news tempered our excitement.
• Try to temper your criticism with kindness.
• Experience has tempered his early optimism.

How to use it: temper something with something (She tempered her disappointment with hope.)

Similar words: moderate, soften, restrain

Opposites: intensify

Common phrases: temper something with something, temper expectations, temper enthusiasm

To make a material stronger or tougher by heating it and then cooling it carefully.

• They temper steel in this workshop.
• The blade was tempered before use.
• Careful heating and cooling temper the metal.

Similar words: heat-treat

Common phrases: temper steel, temper glass, temper the blade