ˈtemp(ə)rə̇t, usu -ə̇d+V adjective
Etymology: Middle English temperat, from Latin temperatus, from past participle of temperare
1. : marked by moderation : keeping or existing in the middle ground between extremes: as
a. : keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive : mild
expressing temperate satisfaction with his results — R.W.Firth
b. : moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire : self-controlled , continent
singularly temperate … noted for his scant indulgence in meat, drink, or sleep — J.R.Green
c. : moderate in or abstemious from the use of intoxicating liquors
not as temperate as he might have been but never a drunkard
d. : marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship : restrained , dispassionate
temperate language
rare indeed is such temperate and rational discussion of crucial problems — C.A.Baylis
e. : having duly limited power : constitutional — used of a monarchy or ruler
our loyal passion for our temperate kings — Alfred Tennyson
f. : existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis
temperate bacteriophages
2.
a. : having a moderate climate
a temperate region
the temperate zones
b. : found in or associated with a moderate climate
a temperate plant
temperate insects
c. : of or relating to a point (as the 66° F reading on a thermometer) marking a moderate temperature
3. : tempered — used of a musical interval or scale
Synonyms: see sober