temperate

[tem-per-it, tem-prit] /ˈtɛm pər ɪt, ˈtɛm prɪt/

adjective

moderate or self-restrained; not extreme in opinion, statement, etc.:

a temperate response to an insulting challenge.

moderate as regards indulgence of appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors.

not excessive in degree, as things, qualities, etc.

moderate in respect to temperature; not subject to prolonged extremes of hot or cold weather.

Microbiology. (of a virus) existing in infected host cells but rarely causing lysis.

Origin

1350-1400; Middle English temperat < Latin temperātus, past participle of temperāre to exercise restraint, control. See temper, -ate¹

Related forms

temperately, adverb

temperateness, noun

nontemperate, adjective

nontemperately, adverb

nontemperateness, noun

pretemperate, adjective

pretemperately, adverb

untemperate, adjective

untemperately, adverb

untemperateness, noun

Synonyms

1. sober, dispassionate. See moderate.

Examples from the web for temperate

Therefore, everything has to be planned and carried out far more methodically than in temperate climates.
Moths are to be found in temperate climates all over the world.
The average home in any temperate region is likely to host several dozen species of spiders.
The direct cooling has happened in temperate and polar regions, where ozone depletion has been concentrated.
They tend to dive deeper and longer than the bulls, possibly because they have to reach food in the more temperate waters.
By the end of the century, however, temperate regions will also suffer.
Perhaps if you did so his responses to you would in the future be more temperate.
If you live in a temperate climate or still go to school, the long winter months can get downright oppressive.
In temperate climates, snowshoes are used for mostly recreational purposes in winter.
It is found in temperate climates throughout the world and lives off the blood of humans.

British Dictionary definitions for temperate

temperate

/ˈtɛmpərɪt; ˈtɛmprɪt/

adjective

having a climate intermediate between tropical and polar; moderate or mild in temperature

mild in quality or character; exhibiting temperance

Derived Forms

temperately, adverb
temperateness, noun

Word Origin

C14: from Latin temperātus

Word Origin and History for temperate

adj.

late 14c., of persons, "modest, forbearing, self-restrained," from Latin temperatus "restrained, regulated," from past participle of temperare "to moderate, regulate" (see temper (v.)). Applied to climates mid-15c.; temperate zone is attested from 1550s. Related: Temperately; temperateness.

temperate in Medicine

temperate tem·per·ate (těm'pər-ĭt, těm'prĭt)
adj.
Exercising moderation and self-restraint.

temperate in Science

temperate

(těm'pər-ĭt)
Marked by moderate temperatures, weather, or climate.