temper

/ˈtem-pər/

Middle English tempure, tempyr, temper "moderation, mixture of things in proper proportion, mental state," probably noun derivative of tempren, temperen "to mix with, soften, moderate"

noun

  1. heat of mind or emotion : proneness to anger : passion

  2. calmness of mind : composure

  3. state of feeling or frame of mind at a particular time usually dominated by a single strong emotion

she has a real temper

disposition temperament temper character personality mean the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group. disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one. temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization.

verb

  1. to dilute, qualify, or soften by the addition or influence of something else : moderate

  2. to anneal or toughen (glass) by a process of gradually heating and cooling

  3. to harden (a material, such as steel) by reheating and cooling in oil

temper justice with mercy

idiom

  1. to remain calm : to not become angry, begin shouting, etc.

He was upset but kept his temper.