tempered
Other forms: temperedly
Whether referring to steel or a person's spirit, the word tempered describes something strengthened, balanced, or moderated through the influence of heat, hardship, or some counteracting force.
The word tempered originates from the Latin temperare, meaning "to mix in due proportion." In a workshop, a blacksmith creates tempered steel by heating and cooling the metal to achieve the ideal balance of hardness and flexibility. Beyond the forge, the word describes people who have grown resilient through enduring life's hardships. But the word can also describe a softening of something harsh by a moderating influence, as sorrow may be tempered by kindness or justice tempered with mercy.
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made hard or flexible or resilient especially by heat treatment“a sword of tempered steel”“tempered glass”curablecapable of being hardened by some additive or other agentsunbakedbaked or hardened by exposure to sunlight; not burnedantonyms:untemperednot brought to a proper consistency or hardness
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strengthened through having endured difficulties
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adjusted or attuned by adding a counterbalancing element“criticism tempered with kindly sympathy”
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Vocabulary lists containing tempered
In his inaugural address, President Kennedy famously declared, "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country." This list covers words from the beginning of the speech through "This much we pledge — and more." Here are links to our vocabulary lists for this speech: List 1 List 2 List 3