TEMPERAMENTAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does temperamental mean? 

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

1. relating to or caused by temperament

2. subject to sharply varying moods

3. likely to perform unpredictably

  Familiarity information: TEMPERAMENTAL used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TEMPERAMENTAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Relating to or caused by temperament

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Context example:

temperamental peculiarities

Pertainym:

temperament (your usual mood)

Derivation:

temperament (your usual mood)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Subject to sharply varying moods

Synonyms:

moody; temperamental

Context example:

a temperamental opera singer

Similar:

emotional (of more than usual emotion)

Derivation:

temperament (excessive emotionalism or irritability and excitability (especially when displayed openly))

Sense 3

Meaning:

Likely to perform unpredictably

Synonyms:

erratic; temperamental

Context example:

that beautiful but temperamental instrument the flute

Similar:

undependable; unreliable (not worthy of reliance or trust)

 Context examples 

The complex of all the attributes—behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental—that characterize a unique individual.

(Personality, NCI Thesaurus)

Both men had lost hope—Johnson, because of temperamental despondency; Leach, because he had beaten himself out in the vain struggle and was exhausted.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

I am too classical, not enough up-to-date in the interpretative branches of science, and I can only plead the disadvantages of my education and a temperamental slothfulness that prevents me from doing the work.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Not that I—a confirmed and, as Furuseth phrased it, a temperamental idealist—was to be compelled; but that Wolf Larsen stormed the last strongholds of my faith with a vigour that received respect, while not accorded conviction.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)