intemperate
UK[ɪnˈtem.pər.ət]US[ɪnˈtem.pɚ.ət]
adj
lacking moderation or restraint, especially in relation to alcohol consumption or one's appetites and emotions.
adj
(of climate or weather) severe or extreme.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
temper
ate
in
not
temper
moderation
ate
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word intemperate originates from the latin 'intemperatus', itself a combination of the negative prefix 'in-' and 'temperatus', the past participle of 'temperare' (to mix, regulate, moderate). the core concept of 'temperare' involves achieving a correct or balanced mixture, a notion that extended metaphorically to human behavior and climate. thus, 'intemperate' literally means "not properly mixed or regulated," leading to its modern meanings of lacking self-restraint in actions or emotions, or describing a climate that is not mild but harsh and extreme. this evolution from a literal idea of physical blending to an abstract concept of behavioral and environmental moderation illustrates a classic semantic pathway in language development.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + temper (moderation) + ate (adjective suffix)
in: a latin prefix meaning "not" or "without".
temper: from latin 'temperare', meaning "to mix correctly, moderate, regulate". in this word, it carries the sense of "proper mixture" or "moderation".
ate: a latin-derived suffix used to form adjectives meaning "characterized by" or "having the quality of".
Examples
he was known for his intemperate outbursts during meetings.
the region's intemperate winters make agriculture difficult.
the editorial was an intemperate attack on the government's policies.