Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person's or animal's nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior: "Temperament" refers to the characteristic combination of emotional, attitudinal, and behavioral response patterns of an individual.
   • The adjustment of intervals in a musical scale, especially in the tuning of a keyboard instrument, to fit a particular system of intonation: In music, "temperament" is the system of tuning where the intervals are slightly adjusted from pure acoustical ratios to allow music to be played in different keys.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Personality):
  • Her calm temperament makes her an excellent teacher.
  • The two siblings have completely different temperaments.
• Noun (Music):
  • The harpsichord was tuned to a meantone temperament.
  • Equal temperament is the standard tuning system for modern pianos.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a temperament": To have a particular nature or disposition.
  • The job requires someone with an even temperament.
• "Artistic temperament": A personality type stereotypically associated with artists, often thought to include moodiness, passion, and sensitivity.
  • He was known for his volatile artistic temperament.

Variants and Related Words

• Temperamental (adj):
  • Relating to or caused by temperament. She has a temperamental dislike for routine.
  • Liable to unpredictable changes of mood. The old car is temperamental on cold mornings.
• Temperamentally (adv): In a way that relates to temperament.

Synonyms

• Disposition: A person's inherent qualities of mind and character.
• Nature: The innate or essential qualities of a person or thing.
• Character: The mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual.

Related Phrases

• Even-tempered: Not easily annoyed or angered; calm.
  • He is remarkably even-tempered under pressure.
• Hot-tempered: Easily angered.
  • His hot-tempered reaction made the situation worse.
• Nervous temperament: A disposition prone to anxiety or excitability.
  • The dog's nervous temperament requires a gentle owner.

Noun

1. an adjustment of the intervals (as in tuning a keyboard instrument) so that the scale can be used to play in different keys
2. excessive emotionalism or irritability and excitability (especially when displayed openly)
3. your usual mood
   • he has a happy disposition