Intemperate   (pronounced in-tem-prit or in-tem-puh-rit) adjective

Temperate   (pronounced tem-prit or tem-puh-rit) adjective


Definition

INTEMPERATE = 1. not temperate or moderate; lacking restraint or self-control; extreme. 2. marked by excessive indulgence of an appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic beverages.

TEMPERATE = 1. marked by moderation and self-restraint in one's actions, utterances, etc.; not going to extremes. 2. moderate or restrained in the indulgence of an appetite or passion.

Main Example

  • The North Korean crisis has stirred fresh controversy over President Bush's use of the "axis of evil" phrase a year ago. Some leading analysts, including Gary Sick of the Reagan administration, believe Bush's words were intemperate and not only provoked North Korea into reviving its nuclear program, but also killed the reform movement in Iran. Other Americans say Bush was right on the mark, and that his "axis of evil" terminology put our enemies on notice that they better change or else face the consequences.

    Workplace Examples

  • Yes, she is smart and very enthusiastic. But sometimes she comes across as too aggressive--a bit of a firebrand. If she could just exercise some moderation . . . be a little more temperate in her style.

  • Okay, I agree that the No. 1 cause of this epidemic of obesity among teenagers is their intemperate consumption of calorie-rich foods. But shouldn't the restaurant industry get some of the blame? Just look at the ever-increasing portion size! It's an arms race out there!

    Other Examples

  • your commenting about a fellow employee: "He needs to tone down his criticism. He's been very intemperate of late, using some pretty ugly terms for other departments. You know how much this sort of thing can hurt his career."

  • many of Colin Powell's foreign counterparts praising the U.S. secretary of state as being intelligent, cautious, and temperate in his approach to dealing with international issues

  • during a recent investigation of the 1993 Davidian standoff, the FBI saying it acted as temperately as was possible under the circumstances and that the responsibility for the 80-plus deaths lay on cult leader David Koresh

  • Atlanta Braves relief pitcher John Rocker's suspension in 2000 following the intemperate remarks he made about African-Americans, immigrants, gays and single mothers during a Sports Illustrated interview

  • in the heat of the Florida Recount, officials of both political parties abandoning civility and speaking intemperately at the slightest provocation: for instance, Democrats calling Florida Secretary of State (and Bush campaign co-chair) Katherine Harris a "crook" and a "commissar," and Republicans accusing the Gore people of "larceny" and "trying to steal the election"

    © 2003 V.J. Singal

    This Month's Other Words

    Rumination
    Vituperative
    Predilection
    Sycophantic
    Disaffection
    Foment
    Disavow

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