First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
temperament
noun tem·per·a·ment \ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-mənt, -pər-mənt\
: the usual attitude, mood, or behavior of a person or animal
Full Definition of TEMPERAMENT
1
obsolete a : constitution of a substance, body, or organism with respect to the mixture or balance of its elements, qualities, or parts : makeup b : complexion 1
2
3
a : the peculiar or distinguishing mental or physical character determined by the relative proportions of the humors according to medieval physiology b : characteristic or habitual inclination or mode of emotional response <a nervous temperament> c : extremely high sensibility; especially : excessive sensitiveness or irritability
4
a : the act or process of tempering or modifying : adjustment, compromise b : middle course : mean
5
: the slight modification of acoustically pure intervals in tuning a musical instrument; especially : modification that produces a set of 12 equally spaced tones to the octave
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Origin of TEMPERAMENT
Middle English, from Latin temperamentum, from temperare to mix, temper
Related to TEMPERAMENT
- Synonyms
- grain, nature, temper, disposition
Synonym Discussion of TEMPERAMENT
disposition, temperament, temper, character, personality mean the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group. disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one <a cheerful disposition>. temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization <an artistic temperament>. temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations <a resilient temper>. character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents <strength of character>. personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person <a somber personality>.
Other Psychology Terms
TEMPERAMENT Defined for Kids
temperament
noun tem·per·a·ment \ˈtem-pə-rə-mənt, -prə-mənt\
Definition of TEMPERAMENT for Kids
: a person's attitude as it affects what he or she says or does <“Size has nothing to do with it. It's temperament and ability that count.” — E. B. White, Stuart Little>
Medical Dictionary
temperament
noun tem·per·a·ment \ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-mənt, -pər-mənt\
Medical Definition of TEMPERAMENT
1
: the peculiar or distinguishing mental or physical character determined by the relative proportions of the humors according to medieval physiology
2
: characteristic or habitual inclination or mode of emotional response <a nervous temperament>
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