2temper verb
tempers; tempered; temper·ing [+ obj] 1 formal : to make (something) less severe or extreme
▪ Higher interest rates have tempered [=lessened] the demand for new houses. — often + with or by ▪ He tempered his criticism with a few words of encouragement. = He tempered his criticism by adding a few words of encouragement. — often used as (be) tempered ▪ He believes in justice tempered with mercy. 2 technical : to cause (something, such as steel or glass) to become hard or strong by heating it and cooling it
▪ The steel/glass must be properly tempered. — see also tempered
▪ Higher interest rates have tempered [=lessened] the demand for new houses. — often + with or by ▪ He tempered his criticism with a few words of encouragement. = He tempered his criticism by adding a few words of encouragement. — often used as (be) tempered ▪ He believes in justice tempered with mercy.
▪ The steel/glass must be properly tempered. — see also tempered
