V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
temper
verb
Definition: 1. to make less harsh or to moderate; 2. to harden or toughen through hardship
Synonyms: soften, pacify, assuage, adapt, adjust, blend, mitigate, moderate, toughen
Antonyms: exacerbate
Tips: Temper is derived from the Latin temperare, which means “to mix or restrain yourself.” The word temper is commonly known as a noun that refers to the disposition to exhibit anger or the angry outburst itself. As a verb, it can seem somewhat contradictory because it means both "soften and mitigate" (you can temper sadness with humor) and "toughen through hardship" (she was tempered by poverty). It can also mean "to harden by reheating and cooling" (as with steel).
Usage Examples:
There is really no solid evidence that an interest rate cut would temper the economic downturn at this point. (assuage, mitigate)
She tried to temper her criticism of me with kindness, but it only made me feel patronized. (soften)
A balanced portfolio is still the best means of tempering financial risk. (mitigating)
I hoped to temper her sadness by taking her out for ice cream. (assuage, lessen)
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