Word Meanings - TEMPERAMENT - Book Publishers vocabulary database

A system of compromises in the tuning of organs, pianofortes, and the like, whereby the tones generated with the vibrations of a ground tone are mutually modified and in part canceled, until their number reduced to the actual practicable scale of

Additional info about word: TEMPERAMENT

A system of compromises in the tuning of organs, pianofortes, and the like, whereby the tones generated with the vibrations of a ground tone are mutually modified and in part canceled, until their number reduced to the actual practicable scale of twelve tones to the octave. This scale, although in so far artificial, is yet closely suggestive of its origin in nature, and this system of tuning, although not mathematically true, yet satisfies the ear, while it has the convenience that the same twelve fixed tones answer for every key or scale, C# becoming identical with D, and so on. (more info) proportion, proper measure, temperament: cf. F. tempérament. See 1. Internal constitution; state with respect to the relative proportion of different qualities, or constituent parts. The common law . . . has reduced the kingdom to its just state and temperament. Sir M. Hale. 2. Due mixture of qualities; a condition brought about by mutual compromises or concessions. However, I forejudge not any probable expedient, any temperament that can be found in things of this nature, so disputable on their side. Milton. 3. The act of tempering or modifying; adjustment, as of clashing rules, interests, passions, or the like; also, the means by which such adjustment is effected. Wholesome temperaments of the rashness of popular assemblies. Sir J. Mackintosh. 4. Condition with regard to heat or cold; temperature. Bodies are denominated "hot" and "cold" in proportion to the present temperament of that part of our body to which they are applied. Locke.

Possible synonyms: (Same meaning words of TEMPERAMENT)

• Character
• Symbol
• letter
• nature
• type
• disposition
• genius
• temperament
• cast
• estimation
• repute
• office
• reputation
• part
• capacity
• class
• order
• sort
• stamp
• kind
• quality
• species
• sign
• tone
• mark
• figure
• record
• Constitution
• Temperament
• frame
• temper
• character
• habit
• government
• polity
• state
• consistence
• composition
• substance
• organization
• structure
• regulation
• law
• Temper
• constitution
• mood
• spirit
• irritability
• heat
• humor
• passion

Possible antonyms: (opposite words of TEMPERAMENT)

• Obliviate
• silentiate
• suppress
• Suppress
• repress
• suppose
• imply
• deny
• contradict
• retract

Related words: (words related to TEMPERAMENT)

• SYMBOLISTIC; SYMBOLISTICAL
  Characterized by the use of symbols; as, symbolistic poetry.
• CLASSIFIC
  Characterizing a class or classes; relating to classification.
• CHARACTERISTIC
  Pertaining to, or serving to constitute, the character; showing the character, or distinctive qualities or traits, of a person or thing; peculiar; distinctive. Characteristic clearness of temper. Macaulay.
• STATESMANLIKE
  Having the manner or wisdom of statesmen; becoming a statesman.
• SPIRITUOUS
  1. Having the quality of spirit; tenuous in substance, and having active powers or properties; ethereal; immaterial; spiritual; pure. 2. Containing, or of the nature of, alcoholic spirit; consisting of refined spirit; alcoholic; ardent;
• CLASSIFICATORY
  Pertaining to classification; admitting of classification. "A classificatory system." Earle.
• IMPLY
  1. To infold or involve; to wrap up. "His head in curls implied." Chapman. 2. To involve in substance or essence, or by fair inference, or by construction of law, when not include virtually; as, war implies fighting. Where a mulicious act is
• HUMOR
  A vitiated or morbid animal fluid, such as often causes an eruption on the skin. "A body full of humors." Sir W. Temple. 3. State of mind, whether habitual or temporary (as formerly supposed to depend on the character or combination of the fluids
• CONTRADICTABLE
  Capable of being contradicting.
• CLASSICISM
  A classic idiom or expression; a classicalism. C. Kingsley.
• STATEHOOD
  The condition of being a State; as, a territory seeking Statehood.
• CHARACTER
  1. A distinctive mark; a letter, figure, or symbol. It were much to be wished that there were throughout the world but one sort of character for each letter to express it to the eye. Holder. 2. Style of writing or printing; handwriting;
• HABITURE
  Habitude.
• TEMPER SCREW
  1. A screw link, to which is attached the rope of a rope-drilling apparatus, for feeding and slightly turning the drill jar at each stroke. 2. A set screw used for adjusting.
• CLASSIS
  An ecclesiastical body or judicat (more info) 1. A class or order; sort; kind. His opinion of that classis of men. Clarendon.
• RETRACTOR
  One who, or that which, retracts. Specifically: In breech-loading firearms, a device for withdrawing a cartridge shell from the barrel.
• OFFICEHOLDER
  An officer, particularly one in the civil service; a placeman.
• CONTRADICTIVE
  Contradictory; inconsistent. -- Con`tra*dict"ive*ly, adv..
• SUPPRESSOR
  One who suppresses.
• CONSTITUTIONALIST
  One who advocates a constitutional form of government; a constitutionalist.
• PUBLIC-SPIRITED
  1. Having, or exercising, a disposition to advance the interest of the community or public; as, public-spirited men. 2. Dictated by a regard to public good; as, a public-spirited project or measure. Addison. -- Pub"lic-spir`it*ed*ly,
• GOOD-HUMORED
  Having a cheerful spirit and demeanor; good-tempered. See Good- natured.
• ENSTAMP
  To stamp; to mark as It is the motive . . . which enstamps the character. Gogan.
• CREBRICOSTATE
  Marked with closely set ribs or ridges.
• SAGEBRUSH STATE
  Nevada; -- a nickname.
• INHABITATE
  To inhabit.
• COMPASSIONATELY
  In a compassionate manner; mercifully. Clarendon.
• UNFRAME
  To take apart, or destroy the frame of. Dryden.
• POST OFFICE
  See POST
• OLD LINE STATE
  Maryland; a nickname, alluding to the fact that its northern boundary in Mason and Dixon's line.
• ENSTATE
  See INSTATE