severe temper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe temper" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who has a tendency to become easily agitated or angered. Example: Despite her charm and intelligence, her severe temper often caused issues in her personal and professional relationships.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

OPELOUSAS, La .-- At 18 months, Kyle Warren started taking a daily antipsychotic drug on the orders of a pediatrician trying to quell the boy's severe temper tantrums.

The New York Times

In the preschool age group, ADHD is characterized not only by impairment in attention span, excessive impulsivity, but also is frequently accompanied by additional disruptive behavior symptoms, including severe temper tantrums, demanding, uncooperative behavior and aggressiveness [ 1].

Current Psychiatry Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We agree with one emerging approach, which gives part or all of that larger number of children a new diagnosis called Severe Mood Dysregulation or Temper Dysregulation Disorder with Dysphoria.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

SMD is characterised by chronic and severe irritability with frequent and developmentally inappropriate temper outbursts, along with negatively valenced mood in between outbursts.

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Or consider the new diagnosis of "disruptive mood dysregulation disorder" for 6- to 18-year-olds who have "severe recurrent temper outbursts manifested verbally and/or behaviorally".

The New York Times - Health

According to the definition under consideration, DMDD would be characterized by severe, recurrent temper outbursts in response to common stressors that are not developmentally appropriate and are out of proportion to the situation.

Los Angeles Times

Shopkeepers have terrible tempers.

WikiHow

Several factors temper the study results.

Environmental Health Perspectives

A severe shoulder injury tempered the hype, but only a little.

The New York Times - Sports

What they suggest is that the great gray mass of the building could still succeed as a bracingly alien presence on the Miracle Mile — but only if its imposing forms and severe palette are tempered with blasts of color, inventive landscape design and appealing, richly detailed public space at ground level.

Los Angeles Times

The Venetian ambassador wrote of him: "His authority was great... His designs were vast; his temper was grave, severe, reserved, brief in speech.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "severe temper" judiciously. Consider less intense alternatives like "quick temper" or "short fuse" if the situation warrants a milder description.

Common error

Avoid using "severe temper" when the situation involves minor irritation or annoyance. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and misrepresent the individual's typical behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe temper" functions as a descriptive term, characterizing a person's disposition. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in contexts ranging from childhood behavioral issues to adult personality traits, indicating a deeply rooted tendency towards anger.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "severe temper" is a grammatically correct and semantically valid way to describe an individual prone to intense anger. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and provides contexts ranging from news reports to scientific analyses. While infrequent, the phrase serves to emphasize the intensity of a person's anger, as seen in the given examples. When using this term, consider the implications of the descriptor and whether other terms might be more appropriate. Always aim for accurate representation and avoid overstating the intensity of someone's emotional response. Be mindful of alternative and similar options such as "fiery disposition" or "quick to anger".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

violent temper

Emphasizes the potential for physical or verbal aggression.

fiery disposition

Focuses on the passionate and easily ignited nature of the temper.

irascible nature

Highlights a tendency to be easily provoked to anger.

explosive anger

Describes sudden and intense outbursts of rage.

quick to anger

Focuses on the speed with which someone becomes angry.

short fuse

An idiomatic expression indicating a low threshold for frustration and anger.

bad-tempered

A general term for someone with a consistently irritable mood.

volatile disposition

Highlights the unstable and unpredictable nature of the temper.

choleric temperament

A formal term describing a person easily angered and irritable.

ill-tempered

Similar to bad-tempered, indicating a generally unpleasant and irritable demeanor.

FAQs

How can I describe a "severe temper" in simpler terms?

You could use phrases like "quick temper", "short fuse", or "easily angered" depending on the context.

What are some situations where describing someone's temper as "severe" is appropriate?

It's appropriate when someone's anger is intense, frequent, and disruptive, causing significant problems in their relationships or work life. See also "explosive anger".

Is there a clinical diagnosis related to having a "severe temper"?

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a diagnosis for children with severe and recurrent temper outbursts. Other conditions, such as intermittent explosive disorder, may also be considered.

What's the difference between having a "severe temper" and just being easily annoyed?

A "severe temper" involves intense, disproportionate reactions, while being easily annoyed implies milder irritation. See also "irascible nature".