temperament

noun tem·per·a·ment \ˈtem-p(ə-)rə-mənt, -pər-mənt\

: the usual attitude, mood, or behavior of a person or animal

Full Definition of TEMPERAMENT

obsolete

a : constitution of a substance, body, or organism with respect to the mixture or balance of its elements, qualities, or parts : makeup

b : complexion 1

obsolete

a : climate

b : temperature 2

a : the peculiar or distinguishing mental or physical character determined by the relative proportions of the humors according to medieval physiology

b : characteristic or habitual inclination or mode of emotional response <a nervous temperament>

c : extremely high sensibility; especially : excessive sensitiveness or irritability

a : the act or process of tempering or modifying : adjustment, compromise

b : middle course : mean

: the slight modification of acoustically pure intervals in tuning a musical instrument; especially : modification that produces a set of 12 equally spaced tones to the octave

See temperament defined for English-language learners

See temperament defined for kids

Origin of TEMPERAMENT

Middle English, from Latin temperamentum, from temperare to mix, temper

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to TEMPERAMENT

Synonyms: grain, nature, temper, disposition

Synonym Discussion of TEMPERAMENT

disposition, temperament, temper, character, personality mean the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group. disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one <a cheerful disposition>. temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization <an artistic temperament>. temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations <a resilient temper>. character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents <strength of character>. personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person <a somber personality>.

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

TEMPERAMENT Defined for Kids

temperament

noun tem·per·a·ment \ˈtem-pə-rə-mənt, -prə-mənt\

Definition of TEMPERAMENT for Kids

: a person's attitude as it affects what he or she says or does <“Size has nothing to do with it. It's temperament and ability that count.” — E. B. White, Stuart Little>

Medical Dictionary