temperate

adjective

tem·​per·​ate ˈtem-p(ə-)rət How to pronounce temperate (audio)
1
a
: having a moderate climate which especially lacks extremes in temperature
b
: found in or associated with a moderate climate
temperate insects
2
: marked by moderation: such as
a
: keeping or held within limits : not extreme or excessive : mild
b
: moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire
c
: moderate in the use of alcoholic beverages
d
: marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship
3
: existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis
temperate bacteriophages
temperately adverb
temperateness noun

Examples of temperate in a Sentence

They had a temperate discussion. He is a temperate man.
Recent Examples on the Web The result will be a more temperate climate, as well as a thickened carbon dioxide atmosphere to supply pressure and greatly reduce the space radiation dose, Zubrin writes. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 Plus, this was a decent-paying job for a young person in the midst of an economic downturn, the practical reason why so many of us decided to leave our comfortable, more temperate lives to come so far south. Elizabeth Endicott, Scientific American, 19 Dec. 2023 There are dozens of species of horseshoe bats spread across the tropical and temperate regions of Eurasia and Africa, each with a unique noseleaf. Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2024 There are nearly 2,000 different mantis species worldwide, found mostly in the more tropical or temperate climates. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2023 Rihanna of all people isn’t one to bow to the circumstances—in this case, the adversity of a temperate climate—and, thus, has become a dedicated coat-wearer. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2024 The state’s relatively temperate climate is more comfortable for cows than places like Wisconsin, a fact that reduces costs because cattle can be kept in open lots instead of barns. Christopher Flavelle, New York Times, 25 Dec. 2023 In temperate climates, having a fully open central hallway gives homeowners the perk of indoor-outdoor living that so many desire. Maggie Burch, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2023 The World Health Organization suggests 18 degrees Celsius (64 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) as a minimum in temperate climates. Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'temperate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English temperat, temperate "restrained, moderate in nature or habits, having the bodily humors in balanced proportion, moderate in temperature or climate," borrowed from Latin temperātus "(of persons) restrained, (of temperature or climate) moderate, between extremes," from past participle of temperāre "to exercise moderation, moderate" — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of temperate was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near temperate

Cite this Entry

“Temperate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/temperate. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

temperate

adjective
tem·​per·​ate ˈtem-p(ə-)rət How to pronounce temperate (audio)
1
: being or kept within limits
2
: not going too far in satisfying one's needs or desires
3
: not drinking much liquor
4
: marked by self-control : restrained
temperate speech
5
: having or associated with a climate that is usually mild without extremely cold or extremely hot temperatures
temperately adverb
temperateness noun

Medical Definition

temperate

adjective
tem·​per·​ate ˈtem-p(ə-)rət How to pronounce temperate (audio)
1
: marked by moderation
especially : moderate in the use of intoxicating liquors
2
: existing as a prophage in infected cells and rarely causing lysis
temperate bacteriophages
temperately adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on temperate

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