How to pronounce temperance
Say it like TEM-puh-runs. Temperance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce temperance. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TEM
- puh
- runs
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Temperance 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.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- runsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of temperance
American and British speakers say temperance in essentially the same way: /ˈtɛmpərəns/ in the US and /ˈtɛmpərəns/ in the UK.
British respelling: TEM-puh-runs.
What does temperance mean?
- Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence.“temperance in eating and drinking”
- Moderation, and sometimes abstinence, in respect to using intoxicating liquors.
- Moderation of passion; calmness.
Where does temperance come from?
From Anglo-Norman temperance, from Latin temperantia (“moderation, sobriety, discretion, self-control”), from temperans, present participle of temperare (“to moderate”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying temperance
How do you pronounce temperance?
Say TEM-puh-runs. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɛmpərəns/. In British English it is /ˈtɛmpərəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in temperance?
Temperance has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEM). Broken into parts: TEM · puh · runs.
Do Americans and Brits say temperance the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtɛmpərəns/ and the British form is /ˈtɛmpərəns/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.