Definition

To make something less severe or intense by adjusting it, often by mixing or balancing different elements.

Example

The chef decided to attemper the spices in the dish to make it more palatable for the guests.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think we need to attemper the spices in this recipe.

Good idea! It was a bit too hot for my taste.

Yeah, we can add some yogurt to balance it out.

Exactly, that should help attemper the flavors nicely.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Attemper is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "temperare" (meaning to moderate or mix). The word describes the act of moderating or adjusting something to a desired state or condition.

Memory Tip

Think of 'to' ('ad-') and 'moderate' ('temperare') — attemper means to adjust or moderate something to make it suitable.

Visually Confused Words