Definition

Feeling emotionally or mentally unwell or troubled.

Example

After the argument, he seemed quite distempered and withdrawn.

Conversation

I noticed you seem a bit distempered lately, is everything okay?

Yeah, I've just been feeling a little overwhelmed with work.

I get that; sometimes stress can really make you feel distempered.

Exactly, but talking about it helps a lot.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To disturb or upset the normal state of something, often referring to health or mood.

Example

The dog was distempered and needed to see a vet.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard that your dog was a bit distempered last week.

Yeah, he wasn't feeling well at all; it was concerning.

I'm glad he's better now, but that must have been tough.

Root Explanation

Distempered → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "temper" (from Latin "temperare", meaning to mix or moderate). The word describes a state of being mixed or altered in a way that is not harmonious, hence being out of balance or disturbed.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'mixed apart' — 'dis-' means apart, and 'temper' relates to mixing. This helps you remember that 'distempered' refers to a state of being out of balance or disturbed.

Visually Confused Words