temperament
UK: ˈtemprəmənt | US: ˈtemprəmənt
n. a person's or animal's nature, especially as it permanently affects their behavior
n. the adjustment of intervals in tuning a piano or other musical instrument
n. (archaic) the proportion in which elements are mixed; a middle course between extremes
The word temperament traces back to the Latin temperamentum, meaning "a mixing in due measure." It originally described the balance of bodily humors (blood, phlegm, bile) in medieval physiology, believed to dictate personality. Over time, it broadened to denote innate disposition and, in music, the tuning system balancing intervals. The core idea of "regulated mixture" persists across meanings.
Her cheerful temperament makes her popular among colleagues.
The piano’s equal temperament ensures harmonic consistency across keys.
Medieval doctors attributed mood swings to imbalances in bodily temperament.
His fiery temperament often leads to heated debates.
The artist’s temperamental sensitivity influenced her vibrant paintings.