temper etymology

Etymology

The word "temper" derives from the Latin word "temperāre," which means "to mix or blend" and "to regulate or control." It originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*tem-" which means "to cut" or "to divide."

Meaning

Temper has two distinct meanings:

1. Emotional State:

Temper refers to a person's emotional disposition, mood, or frame of mind. It can describe a range of emotions, from calmness and composure to anger and irritability.

Example: She lost her temper when her car broke down.

2. Quality of a Material:

Temper also refers to the physical properties of a material, particularly its hardness, strength, and elasticity. It is used in the context of metallurgy, materials science, and other technical fields.

Example: The tempered steel was stronger and more durable.

Origin

The word "temper" has been used in English since the 13th century. It initially referred to the act of mixing or blending different ingredients, especially in cooking or medicine. Over time, it acquired its modern meanings related to emotional states and material properties.

Historical Usage

The concept of temper has been explored by philosophers and scientists throughout history. For instance:

• In ancient Greece, Hippocrates proposed the theory of the four humors, linking a person's temperament to their bodily fluids.
• In the 18th century, Immanuel Kant developed a theory of temperament based on three psychological qualities: irritability, sensitivity, and melancholy.
• In metallurgy, the tempering process was discovered in ancient times to improve the properties of steel by heating and cooling it under controlled conditions.

temper relate terms

• temperament

  Etymology Latin temperamentum from temperare to moderate mix blend Temperament is

• temper

  Etymology The word temper derives from the Latin word temperāre which means to mix

• tempered

  Etymology The word tempered comes from the Middle English word temperen which itself

• temper

  Etymology The word temper derives from the Latin word temperāre which means to mix

• temporal

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• attemper

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• change

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words

• modify

  1 Etymology a Definition The study of the history of words including their origins f

• doom

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