Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of tempering or moderating: The practice of controlling or restraining one's actions, feelings, or habits to avoid extremes.
   • Abstaining from excess, especially in drinking alcohol: The principle or habit of not consuming alcoholic beverages, or of doing so with strict moderation.
   • The trait of avoiding excesses: A personal quality characterized by self-restraint, moderation, and prudence in all aspects of life.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He advocates for temperance in both diet and speech. (He promotes moderation in both eating and speaking.)
  • The 19th-century temperance movement sought to reduce alcohol consumption. (The 19th-century movement aimed to decrease the drinking of alcohol.)
  • Her temperance in spending allowed her to save a significant amount. (Her restraint in spending enabled her to save a lot of money.)

Advanced Usage

• "To practice temperance": To actively exercise moderation or abstinence.
  • He practices temperance by limiting himself to one cup of coffee a day.
• "Temperance society": An organization dedicated to promoting abstinence from alcohol.
  • She joined a local temperance society to support her commitment.
• Philosophical/Classical Context: In classical philosophy, temperance is one of the cardinal virtues, representing self-control and balance.
  • For Plato, temperance was essential for a harmonious soul.

Variants and Related Words

• Temperate (adj): Characterized by moderation; not extreme.
  • They enjoy a temperate climate.
• Intemperance (n): The opposite quality; lack of moderation or restraint, especially in drinking.
  • His intemperance led to serious health problems.

Synonyms

• Moderation: The avoidance of excess or extremes.
• Abstinence: The act of refraining from something, especially alcohol.
• Self-restraint: The ability to control one's impulses, emotions, or desires.
• Sobriety: The state of not being drunk; or serious and restrained behavior.

Antonyms

• Excess: An amount that is more than necessary, permitted, or desirable.
• Indulgence: Allowing oneself to enjoy the pleasure of something to excess.
• Intemperance: Lack of moderation, especially in drinking alcohol.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A model of temperance": A person who exemplifies moderation.
  • Despite the festive atmosphere, she remained a model of temperance.
• "Temperance in all things": A proverb advocating for moderation in every aspect of life.
  • His personal motto was "temperance in all things."

Noun

1. the act of tempering
2. abstaining from excess
3. the trait of avoiding excesses