Temperament — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-mənt/ tem·per·a·ment

Meaning & Definition of Temperament

Temperament (noun)

  1. characteristic or habitual inclination or mode of emotional response
  2. extremely high sensibility; especially, excessive sensitiveness or irritability
  3. the peculiar or distinguishing mental or physical character determined by the relative proportions of the humors according to medieval physiology

Temperament (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. one's characteristic attitude or mood

    "looking for a dog with a sweet temperament"

    similar: disposition, grain, nature, temper
    related: cheer, frame, habit, humor, inclination, mode, spirit, angle, attitude, mind-set, outlook, perspective, slant, standpoint, viewpoint, emotion, feeling, heart, passion, sentiment, strain, belief, conviction, judgment, mind, notion, opinion, persuasion, view, expression, tone, vein, character, identity, individuality, makeup, mettle, personality, selfhood, self-identity, setup, responsiveness, sensibility, sensitiveness, sensitivity

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Temperament

The most common words with a similar meaning to Temperament:

disposition, grain, nature, temper

Related Words for Temperament

cheer, frame, habit, humor, inclination, mode, spirit, angle, attitude, mind-set, outlook, perspective, slant, standpoint, viewpoint, emotion, feeling, heart, passion, sentiment, strain, belief, conviction, judgment, mind, notion, opinion, persuasion, view, expression

Origin & Etymology of Temperament

Middle English, "regulation of the body's vital spirit, proportion of humors in the body," borrowed from Latin temperāmentum "mixture of substances in proper proportion, mean between hot and cold, compromise between extremes, moderation" (Medieval Latin, "proper balance of bodily humors"), from temperāre "to moderate, bring to a proper strength or consistency by mixing, maintain in a state of balance" + -mentum -ment temper:2

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Temperament

What does "Temperament" mean?

"Temperament" means characteristic or habitual inclination or mode of emotional response. As a noun, it is defined as: characteristic or habitual inclination or mode of emotional response.

What is another word for "Temperament"?

Other words for "Temperament" include disposition, grain, nature and temper. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Temperament" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Temperament"?

There are 49 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Temperament". Common alternatives include disposition, grain, nature and temper.

How do you use "Temperament" in a sentence?

Examples of "Temperament" in a sentence: "looking for a dog with a sweet temperament".

Is "Temperament" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Temperament" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Temperament"?

"Temperament" is pronounced /ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-mənt/ and divided into syllables as tem·per·a·ment.

What is the origin of the word "Temperament"?

"Temperament" comes from Middle English, "regulation of the body's vital spirit, proportion of humors in the body," borrowed from Latin temperāmentum "mixture of substances in proper proportion, mean between hot and cold, compromise between extremes, moderation" (Medieval Latin, "proper balance of bodily humors"), from temperāre "to moderate, bring to a proper strength or consistency by mixing, maintain in a state of balance" + -mentum -ment temper:2. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Temperament" meaning "one's characteristic attitude or mood"?

When "Temperament" (noun) means one's characteristic attitude or mood, synonyms include disposition, grain, nature and temper.