temperate

/ˈtempərət/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtempərət/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈtem-p(ə-)rət/ (ame, mw)

temperate — adjective

  • temperatepositive
  • more temperatecomparative
  • most temperatesuperlative

1. describes a climate where the temperature stays in a comfortable middle range, a

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes a climate where the temperature stays in a comfortable middle range, avoiding both intense heat and severe cold.

例句

Ezra moved to the coast because he prefers a temperate climate with mild winters.

collocation: temperate climate

The temperate weather in spring makes it the best season for long walks outdoors.

同義詞
  • mild

    more common for everyday weather, less scientific

  • moderate

    emphasises lack of extremes but can apply to other contexts too

  • balmy

    informal, suggests pleasantly warm conditions, not neutral like temperate

反義詞
  • extreme

    describes climate with harsh temperatures at either end

  • harsh

    focuses on uncomfortable severity

  • severe

    suggests unpleasant extremes, especially cold

文法句型

temperate + noun (climate/region/zone)

be + temperate

用法筆記

Frequently used with nouns like climate, region, zone, and weather. This is the most common sense for describing the physical environment.

常見錯誤

❌The weather today is temperate.
✅The region has a temperate climate.
💡'temperate' describes a general climate pattern, not a single day's weather; use 'mild' for daily weather.

2. refers to plants, animals, or habitats that naturally occur in mild-climate regi

2.形容詞B2
釋義

refers to plants, animals, or habitats that naturally occur in mild-climate regions between the tropics and polar areas.

例句

Temperate forests are home to deer, bears, and many types of songbirds.

collocation: temperate forest

The botanical garden specialises in temperate plants from North America and East Asia.

同義詞
  • mild-climate

    descriptive phrase, less formal, used in general writing

  • moderate

    broader term that can describe any middle-range situation

反義詞
  • tropical

    describes the hot region near the equator

  • polar

    describes the cold regions near the poles

  • arctic

    specifically the far northern cold zone

文法句型

temperate + noun (forest/plant/species)

用法筆記

Standardly used as an attributive adjective (before a noun) in this sense. Often appears in geography and biology texts to classify climate zones.

3. showing self-restraint and emotional moderation, especially when dealing with di

3.形容詞B2
釋義

showing self-restraint and emotional moderation, especially when dealing with disagreement, conflict, or strong personal desires.

例句

Andrés gave a temperate reply to the angry email, choosing each word with care.

temperate + noun: reply / response / statement

Felix listened to harsh criticism of his report without interrupting, then thanked his critics.

同義詞
  • restrained

    stresses holding back from expressing strong emotion

  • moderate

    broader and more common; can apply to opinions, actions, or amounts

  • level-headed

    informal, suggests good judgment under pressure

  • composed

    focuses on outer calmness, especially in difficult moments

反義詞
  • intemperate

    direct opposite; means lacking self-control

  • extreme

    suggests opinions or actions that go too far

  • uncontrolled

    describes behaviour without any restraint

  • immoderate

    formal opposite, suggests excessiveness

文法句型

temperate + noun (response/reply/approach)

be + temperate (about/in + noun)

用法筆記

Formal register — more common in written English (editorials, formal speeches, character descriptions) than in casual conversation. In everyday speech, 'calm' or 'moderate' is preferred.

常見錯誤

❌She was temperate when she heard the news.
✅She remained calm when she heard the news.
💡'temperate' in this sense is too formal for everyday emotional reactions; use 'calm' or 'composed' instead.