temperance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Literary
Quick answer
What does “temperance” mean?
Moderation or self-restraint, especially in consumption of alcohol or in behaviour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Moderation or self-restraint, especially in consumption of alcohol or in behaviour.
The practice of avoiding excess in any aspect of life; a deliberate effort to control one's desires, appetites, or emotions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, more historically tied to Prohibition era and alcohol abstinence. In British English, slightly broader use regarding general moderation.
Connotations
US: stronger historical/political connotation (temperance societies, Carrie Nation). UK: slightly more literary/philosophical.
Frequency
Low frequency in both variants, slightly higher in historical/religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “temperance” in a Sentence
N (abstract) - 'Her temperance was admirable'Adj + N - 'Christian temperance'V + N - 'preach temperance'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “temperance” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The temperance movement gained momentum in Victorian Britain.
- They stayed at a temperance hotel during their tour.
American English
- She gave a temperance speech at the county fair.
- The town had strict temperance laws until the 1950s.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in corporate ethics discussions about moderation in executive compensation.
Academic
Used in philosophy (virtue ethics), history (social movements), religious studies.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Mostly in deliberate discussions about lifestyle.
Technical
Medical/psychological contexts regarding substance abuse prevention.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “temperance”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “temperance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “temperance”
- Using 'temperance' to mean patience or tolerance.
- Confusing with 'temperature'.
- Using in casual contexts where 'moderation' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while historically associated with alcohol abstinence, it broadly means moderation in any appetite or behaviour.
Temperance implies moderation, not necessarily complete avoidance. Abstinence means total refraining.
No, it's relatively rare in everyday speech and is mostly found in formal, literary, or historical contexts.
No, 'temperance' is only a noun. The related verb is 'temper' (to moderate).
Moderation or self-restraint, especially in consumption of alcohol or in behaviour.
Temperance is usually formal/literary in register.
Temperance: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛmp(ə)rəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛmp(ə)rəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Temperance is the best medicine”
- “Temperance and hard work are the two real physicians of mankind (proverb)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TEMPERance helps you TEMPER (moderate) your desires.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEMPERANCE IS A VIRTUE / TEMPERANCE IS A SHIELD AGAINST EXCESS
Practice
Quiz
Which context is 'temperance' LEAST likely to appear in?