Definition of temperate

The origin of the word "temperate" can be traced back to the Latin adjective "temperatus," which means "moderate" or "restrained." This word was used to describe individuals who exhibited a sense of self-control and avoided excessive behavior, both in their personal lives and in their interactions with others. The modern English word "temperate" carries a similar connotation, but has a slightly different meaning. While "temperate" still implies a sense of moderation, it now specifically refers to environments or climates that are not too extreme in their temperatures. In other words, a temperate climate is one that falls between the scorching heat of a tropical region and the near-constant cold of an arctic one. The usage of "temperate" in this context first appeared in the late 16th century, as explorers and scholars became more aware of the varied climates that existed around the world. Today, the word continues to be used in scientific and academic contexts to describe regions with relatively mild temperatures, such as the western coast of North America or the southern portion of Europe.