How to pronounce temper
Say it like TEM-per. Temper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEM).
- TEM
- per
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Temper pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of temper
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: TEM-puh.
What does temper mean?
- A general tendency or orientation towards a certain type of mood, a volatile state; a habitual way of thinking, behaving or reacting.“to have a good, bad, or calm temper”
- State of mind; mood.
- A tendency to become angry.“Mind your hasty temper!”
- To moderate or control.“Temper your language around children.”
- To strengthen or toughen a material, especially metal, by heat treatment; anneal.
- To adjust the temperature of an ingredient (e.g. eggs or chocolate) gradually so that it remains smooth and pleasing.
Where does temper come from?
From Middle English temperen, tempren, from Old English ġetemprian, temprian, borrowed from Latin temperō (“(transitive) to divide or proportion duly, to moderate, to regulate; (intransitive) to be moderate, temperate”), from tempus (“time, fit season”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying temper
How do you pronounce temper?
Say TEM-per. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɛmpɚ/. In British English it is /ˈtɛmpə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in temper?
Temper has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEM). Broken into parts: TEM · per.
Is temper pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈtɛmpə/ (TEM-puh).