INTEMPERATE

Pronunciation (US):

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IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does intemperate mean? 

• INTEMPERATE (adjective)
  The adjective INTEMPERATE has 3 senses:

1. (of weather or climate) not mild; subject to extremes

2. excessive in behavior

3. given to excessive indulgence of bodily appetites especially for intoxicating liquors

  Familiarity information: INTEMPERATE used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• INTEMPERATE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(of weather or climate) not mild; subject to extremes

Context example:

intemperate zones

Also:

inclement ((of weather or climate) severe)

Antonym:

temperate ((of weather or climate) free from extremes; mild; or characteristic of such weather or climate)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Excessive in behavior

Context example:

intemperate rage

Similar:

big; heavy (prodigious)

Also:

intense (possessing or displaying a distinctive feature to a heightened degree)

immoderate (beyond reasonable limits)

Antonym:

temperate (not extreme in behavior)

Derivation:

intemperateness (excess in action and immoderate indulgence of bodily appetites, especially in passion or indulgence)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Given to excessive indulgence of bodily appetites especially for intoxicating liquors

Synonyms:

hard; heavy; intemperate

Context example:

a hard drinker

Similar:

indulgent (characterized by or given to yielding to the wishes of someone)

Derivation:

intemperateness (excess in action and immoderate indulgence of bodily appetites, especially in passion or indulgence)

intemperateness (consumption of alcoholic drinks)

 Context examples 

Bertha Mason, the true daughter of an infamous mother, dragged me through all the hideous and degrading agonies which must attend a man bound to a wife at once intemperate and unchaste.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)