intemperate

[ in-tem-per-it, -prit ]
See synonyms for intemperate on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. given to or characterized by excessive or immoderate indulgence in alcoholic beverages.

  2. immoderate in indulgence of appetite or passion.

  1. not temperate; unrestrained; unbridled.

  2. extreme in temperature, as climate.

Origin of intemperate

1
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Latin word intemperātus.See in-3, temperate

Other words from intemperate

  • in·tem·per·ate·ly, adverb
  • in·tem·per·ate·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use intemperate in a sentence

  • Had formerly suffered much from gout, and lived very intemperately.

  • This is a proposition to which one would cordially subscribe if it were not so intemperately stated.

    Ponkapog Papers | Thomas Bailey Aldrich
  • Stubb was a high liver; he was somewhat intemperately fond of the whale as a flavorish thing to his palate.

    Moby Dick; or The Whale | Herman Melville
  • Acquiesce gracefully, not intemperately, in the prevailing sentiment.

    The Secret Service. | Albert D. Richardson
  • Then Rosie's vegetables were so very good, and so intemperately abundant!

    Six Girls and Bob | Marion Ames Taggart

British Dictionary definitions for intemperate

intemperate

/ (ɪnˈtɛmpərɪt, -prɪt) /


adjective
  1. consuming alcoholic drink habitually or to excess

  2. indulging bodily appetites to excess; immoderate

  1. unrestrained: intemperate rage

  2. extreme or severe: an intemperate climate

Derived forms of intemperate

  • intemperance or intemperateness, noun
  • intemperately, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012