Temper
/ˈtɛm.pər/noun
To moderate, soften, or bring into proper balance; also, to mix or adjust a substance to a desired consistency.
Did you know?The same ancient root behind *temper* also gave us *temperature* and *temple* in the sense of a “measured space,” because the original idea was dividing time, space, or force by exact proportion.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*temp-
“to stretch, spread out; to apportion or divide”
Latin
Latin
temperāre
“to mix in due proportion, regulate, moderate”
Late Latin
Latin
temperāre
“to restrain, control, soften, season”
Old French
Old French
temprer
“to moderate, soften, temper”
Middle English
English
temperen
“to moderate, blend, adjust to proper condition”
Modern English
English
temper
“to moderate, control, or adjust; also, a state of mind or disposition”