TEMPERAMENTAL • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Temperamental

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/tˌɛmprəmˈɛntəl/ /tˌɛmpərmˈɛntəl/ Listen

Temperamental

adjective

Relating to or caused by temperament. "Temperamental peculiarities"

Subject to sharply varying moods. Synonym: moody.

Likely to perform unpredictably. Synonym: erratic. "A temperamental motor; sometimes it would start and sometimes it wouldn't" , "That beautiful but temperamental instrument the flute"

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Etymology of 'Temperamental'

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"Temperamental" Quotes from Famous Books

... explanation of Italy's attitude given by Chancellor von Buelow when discussing the conference in Parliament next year. The impression is general, both in and out of Germany, that Italy is only a half-hearted political ally. It is based on the temperamental difference between the Latin and the Teutonic races, on the popular sympathy between the French and Italian peoples, and to the supposedly reluctant support lent by Italy to Germany during the critical time of the conference, the extra-tour, as Prince Buelow, using a metaphor of the ballroom, termed ...

— William of Germany • Stanley Shaw

... differences, more or less marked, just as there are when the same piece is played by two pianists. In the broader outlines, in general spirit, the interpretations may be the same, but they will be distinguished by subtle shadings that indicate temperamental differences. The perspective of a landscape varies when viewed from different windows; so does life when observed from different points of view; so does the interpretation of a composition when played by different people on ...

— The Pianolist - A Guide for Pianola Players • Gustav Kobb

... that. I was going to remark that, though the temperamental conditions of Posthumus and Troilus are apparently so similar—apparently, mind—and their position as betrayed husbands so identical, we find them acting in directly opposite ways. Troilus entertains no thought of revenge upon his faithless wife; he gives his whole attention to the ...

— Such is Life • Joseph Furphy

... fine distinctions in his mind on the strength of insignificant differences. He drew them with a certain complacency, because the instinct of conventional respectability was strong within him, being only overcome by his dislike of all kinds of recognised labour—a temperamental defect which he shared with a large proportion of revolutionary reformers of a given social state. For obviously one does not revolt against the advantages and opportunities of that state, but against the price which must be paid for ...

— The Secret Agent - A Simple Tale • Joseph Conrad

... Henry. This action of Halleck was the consequence partly of accidents which had prevented communication between them and caused Halleck to think him insubordinate, partly of false reports to Halleck that Grant was drinking to excess, partly of Halleck's dislike of Grant,—a temperamental incapacity of appreciation. After Donelson he issued a general order of congratulation of Grant and Foote for the victory, but he sent no personal congratulations, and reported to Washington that the victory was due to General Smith, whose ...

— Ulysses S. Grant • Walter Allen

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