What does intemperately mean?
Intemperately is an adverb meaning in an excessive, uncontrolled, or immoderate manner. It describes conduct, speech, emotions, or conditions that go beyond sensible or customary limits. For example, a person who responds intemperately may lose their temper and say things that are needlessly harsh, while weather that behaves intemperately may bring unusually violent storms or destructive heat. The word is more formal and deliberate than words such as very or really, and it carries a stronger implication that restraint has been abandoned. It is especially useful when emphasizing not merely a high degree, but a lack of balance or control. The related adjective intemperate expresses the same quality, and the word belongs to the family associated with temperance, moderation, and the idea of keeping something in due proportion.
adverbIn a way that is excessive, uncontrolled, or lacking moderation. It describes behavior, speech, or conditions that exceed sensible or appropriate limits.
- In an excessive, uncontrolled, or immoderate manner.
"He spoke intemperately, dismissing his critics with insults rather than addressing their concerns."
"The storm battered the coast intemperately, uprooting trees and flooding nearby roads."
"She grew intemperately angry when she learned that the proposal had been approved without her consent."
Intemperately is moderation's dramatic exit: it describes conduct or speech that has outgrown restraint.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intemperately come from?
The adverb was formed in English by adding -ly to intemperate, which was borrowed from Latin intemperatus, meaning “untempered” or “immoderate.” Its roots lie in Latin temperare, associated with mixing in due proportion and moderating. The same Latin foundation underlies English words such as temper, temperate, temperance, temperament, and temperature.
Related word forms
How intemperately is actually used
Formal or literary in tone; it is stronger and more specific than simply saying that something is done too much. It is commonly used to describe excessive speech, behavior, weather, or emotional expression.