obtemper
Extremely Rare / ArchaicFormal, Legal, Archaic
Definition
Meaning
To obey a command, rule, or law; to comply with.
To yield or submit to authority, especially within a formal or legal context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb is now almost exclusively found in historical or legal Scottish English contexts, referring to compliance with a court order. It conveys a formal, even dutiful, obedience.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is essentially obsolete but has a specific, residual use in Scottish legal language. It is virtually unknown in modern American English.
Connotations
In its Scottish legal context, it is a precise, technical term without emotional connotation. Elsewhere, it sounds archaic and formal.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in general usage. Near-zero in American English; marginal and highly specialized in Scottish legal English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + obtemper + [to] + [Object (command/order)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None (word is too rare for idiomatic use).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Extremely rare, potentially in historical or legal studies discussing old texts.
Everyday
Never used; would be misunderstood.
Technical
Marginal, historical use in Scottish law.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The party was ordered to obtemper the interdict within 24 hours.
- Failure to obtemper a court decree may result in contempt proceedings.
American English
- (Not used; a historical example:) The colonists were expected to obtemper the King's proclamation.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not applicable for this word.)
- (Not applicable for this word.)
- In the old legal text, it stated the tenant must obtemper the landlord's lawful instruction.
- The judge's interlocutor was final, and the defender had no choice but to obtemper it in full.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TEMPERamental person being told 'OBey!' and finally calming down to OBTEMPER (obey) the command.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLIANCE IS BENDING/BOWING (obtempering implies yielding one's will to a higher authority).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'obturate' (закупоривать). It is a false friend for 'temper' (характер, настроение). The core concept is 'подчиниться (приказу/постановлению)'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in modern speech/writing.
- Confusing it with 'temper' (as in mood).
- Using it without a direct object (e.g., 'He obtempered' is incomplete).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you encounter the word 'obtemper'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and archaic word. You are unlikely to encounter it outside of specific historical or Scottish legal contexts.
No, it is not advisable. Using 'obtemper' would be seen as an odd, archaic choice and would likely confuse your reader. Use 'obey', 'comply with', or 'adhere to' instead.
It comes from the Latin 'obtemperare', meaning 'to obey, comply with', from 'ob-' (toward) + 'temperare' (to restrain, regulate).
No common modern noun form exists. Historically, 'obtemperance' was possible but is equally obsolete. The concept is expressed with 'compliance' or 'obedience'.