temperance

noun

tem·​per·​ance ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s 

-pərn(t)s

1

: moderation in action, thought, or feeling : restraint

2

a

: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions

b

: moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages

Did you know?

Since temperance means basically "moderation", you might assume that, with respect to alcohol, temperance would mean moderate consumption, or "social drinking". Instead, the word has usually meant the prohibition of all alcohol. To temperance leaders such as Carry Nation, the safest form of drinking was no alcohol at all. Believing she was upholding the law, Nation began her hatchet-swinging attacks on saloons, known as "hatchetations", in the 1890s. National prohibition did eventually come—and go—but largely through the efforts of more temperate (that is, moderate) reformers.

Synonyms

• moderateness
• moderation
• temperateness

Examples of temperance in a Sentence

The minister preached about temperance.

my father attributes his ripe old age to temperance in all things, especially eating and drinking

Recent Examples on the Web

Following a series of phone calls to the bank, none of which were notable for their diplomatic temperance on my part, an underwriter clarified that my business credit report had been flagged, not my personal one—a detail the form letter had failed to clarify. —Levi King, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

Yet, the history of the temperance movement exposes the danger of these tactics. —Elizabeth Marshall / Made By History, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024

What the new temperance means for the future: The Warriors didn’t do all this and take the hit for losing Klay in order to just get themselves right back into Apron Land anytime soon. —Tim Kawakami, The Athletic, 15 July 2024

Some will ask why this temperance with blowing should be limited. —Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English temperaunce, borrowed from Anglo-French temprance, temperance, borrowed from Latin temperantia "self-control, moderation, restraint," noun derivative from temperant-, temperans, present participle of temperāre "to exercise moderation, restrain oneself" — more at temper entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

temperance

noun

tem·​per·​ance ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s 

-pərn(t)s

1

: control over one's acts, thoughts, or feelings : moderation, restraint

2

: the use of little or no alcoholic drink

Medical Definition

temperance

noun

tem·​per·​ance ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s, -pərn(t)s 

: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions

specifically : moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages