temperament

Everyday

1. A person's or animal's usual nature and mood, the way they normally feel and behave. tree →
2. Being moody or easily upset: «a fit of temperament». tree →

In the lessons

In stories it tells the reader about a character's nature: calm, fiery, gentle. In science and pet care, dog breeds are described by temperament (friendly, nervous). In sport, «the right temperament» means staying calm under pressure. Phrases: «calm temperament», «gentle temperament», «artistic temperament», «have the temperament for».

Examples

• Our dog has a gentle temperament and loves children. tree →
• She has a calm temperament and rarely gets cross. tree →
• Horses with a nervous temperament spook easily. tree →
• The twins look alike but have different temperaments. tree →
• A goalkeeper needs the right temperament for penalties. tree →
• He had a fiery temperament as a child. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: «temper-a-ment» — there is an «a» in the middle (not «temperment»). Adjective: «temperamental» (moody, changeable; also used for machines that often break). Do not confuse with «temperature».