Temper is your emotional state, especially your tendency to become angry. When someone has a bad temper, they get angry easily and often. When someone has a good temper or an even temper, they stay calm and patient even when things go wrong.

You might hear about someone losing their temper when they get so frustrated or angry that they yell, slam doors, or say things they later regret. A coach who keeps their temper during a tough game stays focused and composed instead of shouting at the referees. People who control their tempers have learned to notice when they're getting upset and calm themselves down before anger takes over.

The word also appears in the phrase temper tantrum, which describes an outburst of uncontrolled anger, especially in young children who haven't yet learned to manage their emotions.

Interestingly, temper can also mean to make something less extreme or more moderate. A judge might temper justice with mercy, meaning she considers fairness alongside compassion. When you temper your excitement with realism, you stay hopeful but keep your expectations reasonable.

In metalworking, to temper steel means to heat and cool it in a specific way that makes it both strong and flexible, the perfect balance for tools like swords or springs.