tempered etymology

Etymology

The word "tempered" comes from the Middle English word "temperen," which itself is derived from the Old French word "tempérer." The Old French word is thought to have come from the Latin word "temperare," which means "to mix or combine."

Meaning

The word "tempered" has several meanings, including:

• To moderate or restrain
• To mix or combine
• To make less extreme
• To harden or toughen
• To attune or harmonize

Origin

The word "tempered" first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. It was originally used to describe the process of mixing or combining different substances. Over time, the word came to be used in a more general sense to describe the act of moderating or restraining something. In the 16th century, the word began to be used to describe the process of hardening or toughening steel. This usage of the word is still common today.

Examples

• The judge tempered his sentence with mercy.
• The chef tempered the sweetness of the dessert with a touch of salt.
• The wind tempered the heat of the summer day.
• The blacksmith tempered the steel by heating it and then quenching it in water.
• The musicians tempered their instruments to create a harmonious sound.

tempered relate terms

• temper

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

• temporal

  Etymology The word temporal is derived from Latin temporalis which in turn comes fro

• temple

  Etymology The English word temple is derived from the Latin word templum which in t

• tempered

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

• bilious

  Etymology From Middle English bilious from Late Latin biliōsus from Latin bilis bi

• temperature

  Etymology The word temperature originates from the Latin word temperare which means

• cantankerous

  Etymology The word cantankerous is derived from the Middle English word contankerous

• vixen

  Etymology The word vixen derives from the Middle English vixene 14th century which

• frumpy

  Etymology The word frumpy has an uncertain origin It is believed to have been first u

• 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

• anneal

  Etymology The word anneal came into English from Old English ælan meaning to burn