What does temperance mean?
Temperance means exercising moderation, restraint, and self-control rather than pursuing excess. It is especially associated with limiting alcohol consumption, although the word can apply more broadly to a careful and disciplined approach to pleasure, appetite, conduct, or desire. In ordinary modern English, temperance does not necessarily imply total abstinence from alcohol; it can mean avoiding overindulgence. Historically, however, the word became closely linked with abstinence and with organized temperance movements in Britain and the United States during the nineteenth century. These movements sought to reduce or prohibit alcohol consumption and often framed drinking as a moral and social problem. Temperance therefore carries both a general sense of balanced self-control and a more specific historical association with campaigns against alcohol. It is especially useful when describing a deliberate refusal to act beyond what is considered wise or appropriate.
nounTemperance is moderation and self-restraint, especially in relation to drinking alcohol. Historically, it also referred to abstinence from alcohol and to organized movements promoting that principle.
- Moderation and restraint in behaviour, consumption, or enjoyment.
- Abstinence from alcohol, especially as a principled practice.
- A movement advocating abstinence from alcohol.
"Her temperance in matters of pleasure impressed everyone at the gathering."
"He showed considerable temperance in refusing to indulge in excess during the celebration."
"The nineteenth-century temperance movement campaigned vigorously against the sale of alcohol."
The plural is uncommon; temperance is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The scholar compared the temperances advocated by different religious communities."
Long before moderation became a lifestyle buzzword, the temperance movement made a virtue of saying no—especially to alcohol.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does temperance come from?
The word comes through Middle English and Anglo-French from Latin temperantia, a noun meaning moderation or restraint. Latin temperantia was derived from temperare, meaning to regulate, blend, or keep within proper limits. The same Latin root produced related English words such as temper, temperate, temperament, and temperature.
How temperance is actually used
In modern general use, temperance often means moderation or self-restraint rather than complete abstinence. In historical contexts, especially in Britain and the United States, it is strongly associated with anti-alcohol temperance movements and societies. The word generally has a formal, moral, or reflective tone.
Easily confused with temperance
Temperance is a quality of moderation or restraint, whereas a temper is a person's characteristic disposition, such as an angry or cheerful nature.