temperance
Definitions
Moderation and self-restraint, especially in appetite or behavior.
节制，克制（尤指对欲望或行为的）。
Abstinence from alcoholic drink.
戒酒，禁酒。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedtemper (moderate, restrain) + -ance (state, quality). Temperance is 'the quality of holding oneself in balance' — moderation and self-restraint. In the 19th century it became the rallying word of the temperance movement against alcohol, so today it often narrows specifically to abstinence from drink.
Root temper still carries 6 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.temperance movement禁酒运动
- 2.temperance society禁酒协会
- 3.practice temperance践行节制
- 4.preach temperance宣扬节制
Example Sentences
- 1.
The ancient philosophers praised temperance as a key virtue.
- 2.
She lived with great temperance, avoiding every excess.
- 3.
The temperance movement campaigned to ban the sale of alcohol.
Synonym Comparison
- temperance — moderation as a settled virtue; today often = abstinence from alcohol
- moderation — the general, neutral word for avoiding extremes (in moderation)
- restraint — actively holding back an impulse or reaction (show restraint)
- abstinence — total avoidance, not just moderation (abstinence from meat)
- sobriety — the state of being sober; seriousness or not being drunk