temper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "temper" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used when referring to a person's mood or emotional state, often in relation to anger or calmness. Example: "He struggled to control his temper during the heated discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even his jokes had a habit of sounding like pomposity or bad temper to those who did not know him.

The Guardian

Or was it DI Lindsay Denton – a woman who, we know, has a temper, whose relationship with Dryden came to a bitter end and who recently terminated a pregnancy, presumably on his orders?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In adolescence, this national love affair with Italy conflicted rather eccentrically with a secret aspiration to temper and anglicise my innately Latin character.

The Guardian - Opinion

She saw herself as the custodian of the government's covenant, direction, tempo and temper – its quality controller, as well as leader.

The Guardian

I can't concentrate on my work or stop eating cheeseburgers or contain my temper in peak moments of stress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Losing my temper with Alastair Campbell in the aftermath of the 2010 election: he argued it was not in the national interest for Gordon Brown to resign immediately.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cameron oscillates at prime minister's questions between showing great courtesy to backbench MPs and suddenly displaying a fierce temper, for instance describing Ed Balls last month as one of the most annoying politicians in Westminster.

The Guardian

A senior member of the order made a submission to the inquiry acknowledging that an individual sister or common staff member, having worked long hours with children from troubled backgrounds, may have lost her temper and acted inappropriately.

The Guardian

But it's possible that DGA winner Alejandro González Iñárritu or Brit-crush Wes Anderson might temper Boyhood's winning streak.

The Guardian - Film

In their detailed portrait of the prime minister at work and leisure, the authors also detail how Cameron maintains an even temper when infuriated by pen-clicking, phone checking and transport delays.

The Guardian

Walsh's assurances in the Irish Republic's capital did nothing to temper stormy scenes in the Dáil, where opposition politicians accused the Fine Gael-Labour coalition of seeking to "ram through" the sale without consulting parliament.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When talking about metalworking, specify the type of "temper" (e.g. "oil temper") for clarity, as it refers to a specific heat treatment process to adjust hardness and toughness.

Common error

Avoid using "temper" when you mean "temperature". "Temperature" refers to the degree of hotness or coldness, while "temper" refers to a state of mind or a process of modifying materials. Ensure the context clearly indicates the intended meaning to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "temper" is as a noun, referring to a person's state of mind or disposition, often in the context of anger or calmness. It can also function as a verb, meaning to moderate or control something. Ludwig AI confirms its usage as both a noun and a verb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "temper" is a versatile term functioning primarily as a noun or a verb, with a very common frequency across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. As a noun, it describes a state of mind, especially related to emotional control, while as a verb, it means to moderate or control. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, "temper" carries a generally neutral tone, shifting to professional or informal depending on the scenario. To enhance clarity, avoid confusing "temper" with "temperature", and when describing metalworking processes, specify the type of "temper". Considering alternatives like "disposition" or "self-control" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

self-control

Directly refers to the ability to control one's emotions and actions, particularly in difficult situations, mirroring the management of "temper".

mood

Denotes a temporary state of mind or feeling, akin to the emotional aspect of "temper".

control

Emphasizes the act of restraining or managing something, like one's emotions or "temper".

disposition

Refers to a person's inherent qualities of mind and character, similar to a general tendency in "temper".

composure

Emphasizes the state of being calm and in control of oneself, particularly in challenging situations, similar to controlling one's "temper".

irritability

Highlights the tendency to become easily annoyed or angered, a key component of a bad "temper".

equanimity

Indicates mental calmness and evenness of "temper", especially in a difficult situation.

restraint

Highlights the act of holding back or controlling impulses, relevant to managing one's "temper".

calmness

Represents the opposite of a volatile "temper", focusing on composure and peace of mind.

moderate

Focuses on keeping something within reasonable limits, akin to moderating or controlling one's "temper".

FAQs

How can I describe someone who easily gets angry using "temper"?

You can say they have a "bad temper" or a "fiery temper". Alternatively, consider phrases like "easily angered" or "irascible", depending on the desired tone.

What does it mean to "lose your temper"?

To "lose your temper" means to suddenly become very angry and unable to control your emotions. Similar expressions include "fly into a rage" or "blow up".

How does "temper" relate to metalworking?

In metalworking, "temper" refers to a heat treatment process used to increase the toughness of metal. It involves reheating hardened metal to a specific temperature, then allowing it to cool. This process is also known as "tempering".

Is it correct to say "keep your temper"?

Yes, "keep your temper" means to remain calm and avoid getting angry. Synonymous expressions include "stay calm" or "maintain composure".