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Intemperate

Lacking restraint or moderation; excessive or immoderate in behavior, especially with regard to drinking, anger, or indulgence.

adjective

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Imagine This

Imagine a guest at a formal dinner who interrupts others, slams the table, and continues drinking well past the point of courtesy—an intemperate display of unrestrained behavior.

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Sounds Like

in-TEM-puh-rit

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Looks Like

looks like 'in temper ate' (not tempered)

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Remember This

Intemperate contrasts with temperate; the noun form is intemperance, describing excess in conduct or indulgence.

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Other Forms

intemperancenoun

intemperatenessnoun

intemperatelyadverb

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Connect With

temperance, moderation, restraint, self-control, excess, indulgence

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Note

Commonly used to describe behavior or weather (intemperate weather can be extreme), but it most often refers to lack of self-control. Do not confuse with temperate (moderate) or temperance (the virtue of self-control).

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Study Deeper

Examples

Her intemperate remarks at the meeting shocked everyone and derailed the discussion.
The governor condemned the intemperate spending spree and called for fiscal responsibility.

Synonyms

immoderateunrestrainedexcessiveundisciplinedreckless

Antonyms

temperatemoderaterestrained

Etymology

From Latin intemperatus, from in- (not) + temperatus (restrained, tempered); the root temper relates to moderation or restraint.

Mnemonic

IN + TEMPER + ATE = not tempered. Remember that intemperate means lacking restraint or moderation.