The phrase "were intemperate" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription as /wɜr ɪnˈtɛmpərət/. The first sound is represented by the letter "w" and the second sound "ɜr" is a vowel sound called "r-colored". The next sound is "ɪn" represented by the letters "in" and followed by the "t" sound. The vowel sound "ɛ" is represented by the letter "e". Finally, "m" and "p" sounds are represented by their respective letters, and the word ends with "rət".
"Intemperate" is an adjective that describes someone's behavior or actions as excessive, lacking self-control or restraint, particularly when it comes to indulging in pleasure or desires. When we say "were intemperate," it implies that the individuals being referred to exhibited behaviors that were characterized by an excessive or unrestrained manner.
The term often implies a lack of moderation and balance in one's actions or emotions. For instance, someone who is intemperate in their eating habits could have a tendency to overeat or consume unhealthy foods in large quantities without exercising self-discipline. Similarly, an intemperate person may display unrestrained anger or emotional outbursts, lacking the ability to control their temper.
Being intemperate also suggests a disregard for the consequences of one's actions, as individuals who are intemperate may prioritize their immediate desires or impulses over long-term considerations. This lack of self-control can lead to negative outcomes in various areas of life, including relationships, health, and personal well-being.
Overall, describing someone as "were intemperate" signifies an imbalance in their behaviors, actions, or emotions due to a lack of self-discipline and an excessive indulgence in their desires or impulses.
The phrase "were intemperate" is not a single word but a combination of two words: "were" (past tense of the verb "to be") and "intemperate" (an adjective). Therefore, the etymology needs to be examined separately for each term:
1. "Were":
The word "were" originates from the Old English word "wǣron", which is the plural past tense of "wesan" meaning "to be". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*wesun" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₁es-" which also gives rise to related words in other Indo-European languages, such as "was" in Gothic, "esmĭ" in Old Church Slavonic, and "esti" in Sanskrit.
2.