adjective
- moderate or self-restrained; not extreme in opinion, statement, etc.: a temperate response to an insulting challenge.
- moderate as regards indulgence of appetite or passion, especially in the use of alcoholic liquors.
- not excessive in degree, as things, qualities, etc.
- moderate in respect to temperature; not subject to prolonged extremes of hot or cold weather.
- Microbiology. (of a virus) existing in infected host cells but rarely causing lysis.
adjective
- having a climate intermediate between tropical and polar; moderate or mild in temperature
- mild in quality or character; exhibiting temperance
adj.late 14c., of persons, “modest, forbearing, self-restrained,” from Latin temperatus “restrained, regulated,” from past participle of temperare “to moderate, regulate” (see temper (v.)). Applied to climates mid-15c.; temperate zone is attested from 1550s. Related: Temperately; temperateness. adj.
- Exercising moderation and self-restraint.
- Marked by moderate temperatures, weather, or climate.