well-tempered

IPA/wˈɛltˈɛmpəd/
IPA/wˈɛltˈɛmpɚd/

well-tempered — adjective

1. describes someone who stays calm, patient, and does not become easily angry or u

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes someone who stays calm, patient, and does not become easily angry or upset

例句

Even when the airline lost his luggage, Mateo remained well-tempered and polite at the counter.

pattern: remain + well-tempered (linking verb + adjective)

The kindergarten teacher's well-tempered nature meant she never raised her voice at the children.

collocation: well-tempered nature / disposition

同義詞
  • even-tempered

    very similar in meaning; more common in everyday speech

  • composed

    suggests deliberate emotional control, especially in difficult moments

  • placid

    implies a naturally calm, peaceful nature that is rarely disturbed

  • level-headed

    informal; emphasises good judgement and emotional stability

反義詞
  • irritable

    easily annoyed by small things

  • volatile

    likely to change mood or become angry suddenly

用法筆記

Only this sense describes a person's character. Subject is always a person or their disposition, never an object or situation.

常見錯誤

❌The weather was well-tempered today.
✅The weather was mild today.
💡well-tempered describes a person's calm character, not the condition of things or the weather.
❌She stayed well-tempered about the broken vase.
✅She stayed well-tempered despite the broken vase.
💡well-tempered is a stable character trait, not a short reaction to a single event.

2. describes metal, glass, or clay that has been heated and then cooled in a contro

2.形容詞C1
釋義

describes metal, glass, or clay that has been heated and then cooled in a controlled process to achieve the right balance of hardness and flexibility

例句

The well-tempered steel blade could bend under heavy pressure without snapping in two.

technical register: well-tempered steel / glass / clay

Mira insisted on well-tempered glass for the balcony doors to keep them safe in storms.

同義詞
  • tempered

    the more common shorter form; 'well-tempered' adds emphasis on the quality of the process

  • hardened

    focuses on increased hardness, may miss the flexibility aspect

  • annealed

    a different heat process that softens metal to relieve stress, not the same as tempering

反義詞
  • brittle

    hard but breaks easily under stress

  • untreated

    not processed through any heat treatment

用法筆記

Technical term used in materials science, metalworking, construction, and pastry-making. Frequently appears in the phrases 'well-tempered steel', 'well-tempered glass', and 'well-tempered chocolate'.

常見錯誤

❌The well-tempered sofa was very comfortable.
✅The well-tempered steel was strong but flexible.
💡well-tempered (material sense) applies only to processed materials, not furniture or general objects.

3. describes a mixture, such as concrete, plaster, or clay, that has been blended t

3.形容詞C1
釋義

describes a mixture, such as concrete, plaster, or clay, that has been blended to exactly the right thickness and texture for its purpose

例句

The well-tempered concrete poured smoothly into the foundation mould without air bubbles.

technical register: well-tempered concrete / plaster / mortar

Kasia checked that the wall plaster was well-tempered before spreading it across the cracks.

同義詞
  • well-blended

    more general; can apply to any mixture including food

  • uniform

    emphasises consistency throughout the mixture without lumps

反義詞
  • lumpy

    containing solid pieces in an otherwise smooth mixture

  • uneven

    not consistent in texture or thickness

用法筆記

Primarily used in construction, ceramics, and art contexts. Describes mixtures that have reached the ideal working consistency through careful blending.

常見錯誤

❌The well-tempered soup tasted delicious.
✅The well-tempered concrete was easy to spread.
💡well-tempered refers to the physical consistency of building materials, not the flavour of food.

4. describes a person whose body has been hardened and strengthened through repeate

4.形容詞C1
釋義

describes a person whose body has been hardened and strengthened through repeated physical exertion or challenging conditions

例句

Mathieu's 18th-century medical guide states that a well-tempered constitution helps the body resist common illnesses.

historical register: well-tempered constitution

Tempered by years of rowing across Finnish lakes, the old boatman's frame was well-tempered for endurance.

pattern: well-tempered for [purpose]

同義詞
  • robust

    emphasises strength and health; used for people and systems

  • sturdy

    suggests solid build, often used for body types

  • hardy

    implies ability to survive difficult physical conditions

反義詞
  • frail

    weak and delicate in body

  • feeble

    lacking physical strength, often due to age or illness