intemperance
C1/C2Formal
Definition
Meaning
A lack of moderation or self-control, especially in indulging appetites.
Specifically, excessive consumption of alcohol; also, any lack of restraint regarding strong feelings, desires, or behaviour.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a strong moral or judgmental tone, implying a character flaw rather than a simple mistake. It can refer to both consumption (food, drink) and emotional or behavioural excess (anger, passion). Historically had wider use; now most common in formal or historical contexts, especially regarding alcohol.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally uncommon in both variants and belongs to the same formal/literary register.
Connotations
In both variants, connotes archaic or high-register moral judgment, often found in religious, historical, or legal contexts.
Frequency
Very low frequency in modern everyday language in both UK and US. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK English in historical or literary analysis.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
intemperance of [noun (emotion/desire)] (e.g., intemperance of language)intemperance in [noun/gerund] (e.g., intemperance in drinking)intemperance among [group]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically with 'intemperance']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically in critique: 'The CEO's intemperance in spending led to the firm's collapse.'
Academic
Found in history, theology, literature, and social sciences discussing moral philosophy, addiction, or historical social norms.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound archaic or overly formal.
Technical
Not typically used in scientific/technical fields. May appear in formal legal or religious texts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The verb form does not exist.
American English
- The verb form does not exist.
adverb
British English
- He drank intemperately.
- She argued intemperately, losing the jury's sympathy.
American English
- The leader spoke intemperately to the press.
adjective
British English
- The intemperate ruler brought ruin to the kingdom.
- His intemperate remarks caused a diplomatic incident.
American English
- The intemperate climate made farming difficult. (archaic/less common usage)
- She was known for her intemperate lifestyle.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Level too low for this word]
- [Level too low for this word]
- The biography described the king's intemperance and how it weakened his rule.
- Public intemperance was frowned upon in that strict community.
- The preacher condemned the moral intemperance of the age, citing both gluttony and lewd behaviour.
- Historical records attribute his early demise not to battle but to habitual intemperance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN (not) + TEMPERANCE (moderation/self-control) = LACK OF self-control. Imagine someone IN a TEMPER because they can't have another drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY IS A LACK OF CONTROL. (Intemperance frames excess as a failure of governance over one's own 'appetites' or 'passions').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'несдержанность', which is broader and more neutral for a momentary lapse in restraint. 'Intemperance' implies a deeper, habitual vice. For alcohol specifically, 'пьянство' is closer.
- Not directly equivalent to 'интолерантность' (intolerance).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'intemperence'.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'anger' (it is a cause or form of, not the emotion itself).
- Confusing with 'intolerance' due to similar prefix.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely synonym for 'intemperance' in its most common usage?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but that is its most specific and common historical meaning. It can refer to any lack of restraint in appetites (food, sex) or emotions (anger, passion).
They are completely different. 'Intemperance' is about a lack of self-control. 'Intolerance' is an unwillingness to accept views, beliefs, or people that differ from one's own.
It would sound very formal, old-fashioned, or even humorous if used intentionally. Words like 'overindulgence', 'lack of control', or specific terms like 'binge drinking' are more natural in everyday speech.
No. The related adjective is 'intemperate' and the adverb is 'intemperately'. The concept is expressed with verbs like 'overindulge', 'be intemperate in', or 'lack temperance'.