temperament (ˈtɛmpərəmənt
;-prəmənt)
Definitions
noun
- an individual's character, disposition, and tendencies as revealed in his reactions
- excitability, moodiness, or anger, esp when displayed openly ⇒
an actress with temperament
- the characteristic way an individual behaves, esp towards other people See also character , personality
- an adjustment made to the frequency differences between notes on a keyboard instrument to allow modulation to other keys
- any of several systems of such adjustment, such as just temperament, a system not practically possible on keyboard instruments, mean-tone temperament, a system giving an approximation to natural tuning, and equal temperament, the system commonly used in keyboard instruments, giving a scale based on an octave divided into twelve exactly equal semitones See also just intonation
- obsolete the characteristic way an individual behaves, viewed as the result of the influence of the four humours (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile)
- archaic compromise or adjustment
- an obsolete word for temperature
Word Origin
C15: from Latin temperāmentum a mixing in proportion, from temperāre to temperSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
nature,
character,
personality,
quality,
spirit,
make-up,
soul,
constitution,
bent,
stamp,
humour,
tendencies,
tendency,
temper,
outlook,
complexion,
disposition,
frame of mind,
mettle,
cast of mind,
Usage examples
Her guarded attitude almost provoked me to express my injured feelings at her obvious opinion of my temperament.
, THE GOLDEN FOOL: Book Two of the Tawny Man (2002)What temperament , he bowls like he's been playing for the past 10 years.
India Today (1998)But his experience in the hurling championship and his temperament are a massive advantage.
Irish Times (2002)But, ever since he burst on to the Premiership scene three seasons ago, there have always been question marks about his temperament.
Sun, News of the World (2001)Indeed, by temperament I was peculiarly incapable of being a comfort to them.
, WHEELS WITHIN WHEELS (2002)