Temperament
['temp(ə)rəm(ə)nt] or ['tɛmprəmənt]
Definition
(noun.) an adjustment of the intervals (as in tuning a keyboard instrument) so that the scale can be used to play in different keys.
(noun.) excessive emotionalism or irritability and excitability (especially when displayed openly).
Editor: Rosanne--From WordNet
Definition
(v. t.) Internal constitution; state with respect to the relative proportion of different qualities, or constituent parts.
(v. t.) Due mixture of qualities; a condition brought about by mutual compromises or concessions.
(v. t.) The act of tempering or modifying; adjustment, as of clashing rules, interests, passions, or the like; also, the means by which such adjustment is effected.
(v. t.) Condition with regard to heat or cold; temperature.
(v. t.) A system of compromises in the tuning of organs, pianofortes, and the like, whereby the tones generated with the vibrations of a ground tone are mutually modified and in part canceled, until their number reduced to the actual practicable scale of twelve tones to the octave. This scale, although in so far artificial, is yet closely suggestive of its origin in nature, and this system of tuning, although not mathematically true, yet satisfies the ear, while it has the convenience that the same twelve fixed tones answer for every key or scale, C/ becoming identical with D/, and so on.
(v. t.) The peculiar physical and mental character of an individual, in olden times erroneously supposed to be due to individual variation in the relations and proportions of the constituent parts of the body, especially of the fluids, as the bile, blood, lymph, etc. Hence the phrases, bilious or choleric temperament, sanguine temperament, etc., implying a predominance of one of these fluids and a corresponding influence on the temperament.
Inputed by Jeff
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Constitution, temper, nature, organization, idiosyncrasy, habit.
Editor: Simon
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Organization, idiosyncrasy, disposition, constitution,[See SOFTEN], ~_\n.\]
Checker: Wyatt
Definition
n. state with respect to the predominance of any quality: internal constitution or state: disposition one of the peculiarities of physical and mental organisation which to a certain extent influence our thoughts and actions—choleric or bilious lymphatic nervous sanguine: the adjustment of imperfect concords so that the difference between two contiguous sounds is reduced to a minimum and the two appear identical—a system of compromise in the tuning of keyed instruments.—adj. Temperamen′tal.—adv. Temperamen′tally.
Checked by Laurie
Examples
- For herself, being of a different temperament, she could not sleep. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Difference of age and difference of temperament occasion difference of sentiment, was the reply. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- There was a coolness about all this, which, to a gentleman of an excitable temperament, had, under the circumstances, rather an exasperating tendency. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- A comfortable inn in Brighton is better than a spunging-house in Chancery Lane, his wife answered, who was of a more cheerful temperament. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- The influence of the two hours' probation upon my temperament was simply this. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- He was a barrister by profession; a ladies' man by temperament; and a good Samaritan by choice. Wilkie Collins. The Moonstone.
- Mr. Soames was a tall, spare man, of a nervous and excitable temperament. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- Though portly, she was alert, and though serene, she was at times impetuous--good health and an excellent temperament kept her green as in her spring. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- To see that is to see exposed an important facet of the American temperament. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- No; you might sadden and trouble me sometimes; but then mine was a soon-depressed, an easily-deranged temperament--it fell if a cloud crossed the sun. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- As to nerves, Mr Merdle is of a cool temperament, and not a sensitive man: is about as invulnerable, I should say, as Achilles. Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- I will not go so far as to say that; but you know I have the artistic temperament, and therefore admire beauty always. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- Your mourning Man of Sorrows is entirely opposed to our joyous Apollo, your gloomy views of life to our serenity of temperament. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- This was a very strong expression of approbation, an uncommonly hearty welcome, from a person of Mr. Sikes' temperament. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- You will have observed a great difference of temperament, madam, between my two daughters? Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- The desire for self-direction has made a thousand philosophies as contradictory as the temperaments of the thinkers. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
Checked by Janice