Added 9 October 2026
temperance
/ˈtɛmpəɹəns/ noun
In Latin: temperantia, sōbrietās Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about temperance at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Moderation or self-control in any action; control of the desire to act emotionally; calmness; an instance of this.
- Restraint or self-control when made angry or frustrated; forbearance.
- Moderation in the use of intoxicating substances; sobriety; specifically, complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages; teetotalism.
adjective
- Advocating or practising complete abstinence from alcoholic beverages.
Origin
From Anglo-Norman temperance, from Latin temperantia (“moderation, sobriety, discretion, self-control”), from temperans, present participle of temperare (“to moderate”). See temper. English equivalent temper + -ance.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)