Attemperament is a word that refers to the act of modifying, adjusting, or balancing something to make it more suitable or appropriate. The correct spelling of this word is /əˈtɛmp(ə)rəmənt/, with the stress on the second syllable. It is important to pay attention to spelling because even a slight variation can change its meaning. The prefix "at-" means "to" or "toward," and the word "temperament" refers to one's character or disposition. Together, they form a compound word that conveys the idea of making something more suitable or adapting it to a particular situation.
Attemperament refers to the act or process of modifying, adapting, or adjusting something to reach an appropriate or desirable state. It is often associated with the act of tempering or temperance, which involves balancing or controlling something, typically to achieve the most favorable or suitable outcome.
In a general sense, attemperament implies finding a middle ground or harmonious balance between conflicting elements or forces. It is about striking a compromise or making modifications to align with prevailing conditions or circumstances. This can involve adjusting one's behavior, attitude, or approach to suit a particular situation or context.
Attemperament can also pertain to the regulation or modification of a physical or chemical process. For instance, in the context of heat treatment, attemperament involves carefully controlling the temperature to ensure that it falls within the desired range for a specific purpose, such as annealing or hardening of metal.
In legal contexts, attemperament can refer to the act of moderating or mitigating a punishment or penalty. It involves reducing the severity or intensity of a penalty to make it more fitting or reasonable, often taking into account mitigating factors or circumstances.
Overall, attemperament relates to the act of adjusting, modifying, or balancing something to achieve a more suitable or desired outcome, whether it is related to behavior, physical processes, legal consequences, or other aspects of life.
The word "attemperament" is derived from the combination of the prefix "at-" and the word "temperament".
The prefix "at-" is an assimilated form of the Old English prefix "æt", which means "at" or "to". It is commonly used to indicate direction or proximity in relation to a particular action or state.
The word "temperament" originates from the Latin word "temperamentum", which means "a mixing, a proportion, or a temperament". It derives from the verb "temperare", meaning "to mix" or "to regulate".
Therefore, when combined, "attemperament" refers to the act of regulating or modifying something toward a desired state or condition.