temperament
TEM-pruh-munt
/ˈtemprəmənt/
An animal's nature or character, especially as it affects their behavior and reactions to others.
Temperament is considered largely innate (born with), whereas 'behavior' is what the animal actually does.
The story behind the word. In ancient medicine, it was believed that health depended on the 'proper mixture' (temperamentum) of four bodily fluids or 'humors.' A balanced mixture resulted in a good temperament.
Word relationships
- disposition: Disposition is almost identical but often refers to a person's mood or tendency, while temperament is used more broadly in biology.
Commonly confused with
- personality: Personality is often seen as a human trait; temperament is the biological foundation of that personality in animals.
Word family
- temperamental (adjective): Having an unpredictable or sensitive nature.
Collocations
- even temperament
- fiery temperament
- stable temperament
Example sentences
- "The Golden Retriever is famous for its gentle temperament, making it an ideal family pet." Choosing the right breed.
- "The temperament of the dog is the most important factor in its suitability for work." Literary description of a dog.
Memory hook
TEMPER-ament: How well an animal controls its TEMPER. The inner nature.
When not to use
Don't use this to describe a temporary mood; temperament is a long-term personality trait.
Fun facts
- Service dog organizations use 'temperament testing' to see if a puppy is calm enough for the job before training begins.
Explore more words
innate, maturation, extrovert, neurodivergent, idiosyncratic, reactive
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