Temperament or Temperment
Which Spelling is Correct?
Confused between "temperament" and "temperment"? Learn the correct spelling, meaning, and how to use it properly in your writing.
Incorrect: Temperment
"Temperment" is a misspelling. The correct spelling is "temperament" with "a" in the middle.
Correct: Temperament
"Temperament" is the correct spelling. It means a person's natural disposition.
Definitions
Temperament (noun):
A person's natural disposition or personality; the way someone typically behaves or reacts; the balance of humors in medieval medicine.
Examples:
- • She has a cheerful temperament.
- • His artistic temperament made him sensitive to criticism.
- • The child's temperament was naturally calm.
Temperment (noun):
"Temperment" is a misspelling of "temperament" and is not a valid English word.
Examples:
- • "Temperment" is not used in standard English.
- • Always use temperament when referring to personality.
Synonyms
Temperament:
- • Disposition
- • Personality
- • Nature
- • Character
- • Demeanor
Temperment:
- • (No valid synonyms; not a standard English word)
Notes
Notes:
- • Temperament is spelled with "a" in the middle: tem-per-a-ment.
- • It is commonly used in psychology and personality discussions.
- • "Temperment" is never correct in any context.
- • The word comes from Latin "temperamentum" meaning "mixture."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "temperment" ever correct?
A: No, "temperment" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "temperament."
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Remember "temperament" has "a" in the middle - think of it as "tem-per-a-ment."
Q: What's the difference between temperament and personality?
A: Temperament refers to innate behavioral tendencies, while personality includes learned behaviors and experiences.
Q: Can "temperament" be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, "temperament" is appropriate in formal and academic writing contexts.
Q: Why do people misspell "temperament"?
A: The misspelling "temperment" often happens by omitting the "a" in the middle.
Q: What are some common phrases using "temperament"?
A: Examples include: artistic temperament, fiery temperament, calm temperament, and temperamental differences.
Q: Is "temperament" always about people?
A: Primarily yes, though it can also refer to animals' behavioral tendencies.
Q: Can "temperament" be changed?
A: Temperament is generally considered innate, though behavior can be modified through learning and experience.
Summary
Remember: Temperament is the correct spelling with "a": tem-per-a-ment. It means a person's natural disposition or personality. The misspelling "temperment" is never correct. Always use "temperament" when referring to personality traits.