intemperate

/ɪnˈtempərət/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈtempərət/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)in-ˈtem-p(ə-)rət/ (ame, mw)

intemperate — adjective

  • intemperatepositive
  • more intemperatecomparative
  • most intemperatesuperlative

1. describes speech or actions that are extremely angry and violent because the per

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes speech or actions that are extremely angry and violent because the person is not trying to control their emotions.

例句

Liam's intemperate remarks at the meeting offended several of his colleagues.

intemperate + remarks (common collocation)

The newspaper criticised the minister for her intemperate language during the debate.

intemperate + language (common collocation)

同義詞
  • unrestrained

    broader in scope — can describe any lack of control, not exclusively anger or violence

  • immoderate

    more formal and less emotional — covers excess in any area without the violent connotation

  • vehement

    focuses on strong, passionate expression of feelings, not necessarily uncontrolled or violent

反義詞
  • restrained

    suggests deliberate control over one's emotions or words

  • temperate

    direct antonym; describes calm, moderate behaviour or language

用法筆記

Frequently pairs with nouns that describe speech: remarks, language, outburst, tirade, response. It describes the expression of anger, not the feeling of anger itself.

常見錯誤

❌She was intemperate when the meeting ran late.
✅She made an intemperate remark when the meeting ran late.
💡intemperate describes uncontrolled speech or behaviour, not a general feeling of annoyance.
❌His intemperate anger frightened the children.
✅His intemperate outburst frightened the children.
💡intemperate describes how anger is expressed (through words or actions), not the emotion itself.

2. describes someone who drinks far too much alcohol on a regular basis, or who reg

2.形容詞C1
釋義

describes someone who drinks far too much alcohol on a regular basis, or who regularly overindulges in physical pleasures such as eating and drinking.

例句

Uncle Andre's intemperate habits eventually led to serious health problems.

intemperate + habits (collocation)

The novel's main character is an intemperate old man who spends most of his days in the pub.

同義詞
  • excessive

    more general and common — can describe any overindulgence without the formal tone

  • self-indulgent

    focuses on giving in to one's own desires rather than the scale of the excess

  • dissolute

    stronger and more moralistic — implies a corrupt or immoral lifestyle

反義詞
  • moderate

    common and neutral — describes sensible, controlled habits

  • abstemious

    formal — specifically about restraint in eating and drinking

用法筆記

Intemperate in this sense describes a lasting character trait or habit, not a single act of overindulgence. The most common context is regular heavy drinking, but it may also refer to overeating or other bodily excesses.

常見錯誤

❌He had an intemperate dinner last night.
✅He is an intemperate drinker who finishes a bottle of wine every night.
💡intemperate describes a habit or character, not a single occasion.
❌She is intemperate with sweets.
✅She is intemperate in her eating habits.
💡intemperate pairs with a domain or sphere of life, not a specific item.