The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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intemperate

adjective

/ɪnˈtɛmp(ə)rət/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of intemperate

Lacking self-control, moderation, or restraint, often characterized by excessive indulgence or immoderate behavior.
"The intemperate language used in the meeting was unprofessional."

Detailed meaning of intemperate

When someone or something is referred to as intemperate, it suggests a disregard for limits or boundaries, resulting in actions or habits that can be excessive, unrestrained, or immoderate. This term is often applied to individuals who exhibit excessive drinking, eating, or other forms of indulgence, but it can also describe unrestrained emotions or behaviors that are not conducive to a balanced and controlled lifestyle. Intemperance typically implies a lack of self-discipline and the potential for negative consequences due to the absence of moderation and temperance.

Example sentences containing intemperate

1. In his intemperate youth, he often found himself waking up in unfamiliar surroundings.
2. The harsh, intemperate weather severely hampered the rescue mission.
3. His intemperate language at the board meeting took everyone by surprise.
4. Even his closest friends were taken aback by his intemperate behavior.
5. Despite his success, he was known for his intemperate lifestyle and reckless decisions.
6. The intemperate political climate made it a risky time to be a journalist.

History and etymology of intemperate

The adjective 'intemperate' has its roots in Latin. It is derived from 'in,' meaning 'not,' and 'temperatus,' which comes from 'temperare' and means 'to restrain' or 'to regulate.' Therefore, 'intemperate' originally meant 'not restrained' or 'lacking moderation.' Over time, as the word entered English, it came to describe individuals or behaviors that lack self-control, moderation, or restraint, often characterized by excessive indulgence or immoderate behavior. The etymology of 'intemperate' underscores the absence of temperance or the inability to regulate one's actions, emphasizing the idea of going to extremes without the necessary restraint.

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Further usage examples of intemperate

1. Their argument quickly escalated into an intemperate confrontation.
2. Her intemperate remarks during the interview drew widespread criticism.
3. The intemperate terrain made the hike more challenging than we had anticipated.
4. His intemperate passion for music led him to practice for hours each day.
5. An intemperate desire for wealth often leads to moral corruption.
6. The manager's intemperate reaction to the mistake was completely unnecessary.
7. The author's intemperate use of imagery made the novel hard to follow.
8. His intemperate zest for adventure got him into many perilous situations.
9. The intemperate debate made it clear that a compromise was unlikely.
10. It was an intemperate letter that left no room for negotiation.
11. The intemperate winds battered the small boat, threatening to capsize it.
12. His intemperate spending habits led him into serious debt.
13. The team's intemperate celebration after their victory did not sit well with the losing side.
14. The report provides evidence of the intemperate use of power by the ruling party.