intemperate

Imagine a sailor lost at sea after days without water. If someone finally offers him a glass, he doesn't sip it; he gulps it down in one go. That gives you the feel of intemperate behavior: going too far, acting without enough self-control, or showing little moderation. It can describe drinking too much, speaking in angry or extreme terms, or reacting more wildly than the situation calls for. The word was once closely tied to heavy drinking, but now it is used more broadly for actions, speech, or desires that are excessive and hard to control.

"Intemperate" describes a lack of restraint or moderation, most often seen in behavior, speech, or physical desires. It suggests going beyond reasonable limits and indulging in excess. The word traces its roots to the Latin intemperatus, from in- (not) and temperare (to mix or moderate), hinting at a lack of proper balance or "tempering."

Historically, "intemperate" was often used to describe someone given to excessive drinking. Over time, its use broadened. Today, it can describe a person, a remark, a demand, an outburst, or even weather that is harsh and extreme rather than mild or balanced. An intemperate person is not always evil or cruel; more often, they are seen as unable or unwilling to keep their feelings, appetites, or actions within reasonable limits.

Think of an intemperate argument, full of shouting and accusation, with very little listening. Or think of an intemperate spending spree, where someone keeps buying things they cannot afford. The word often carries the sense of heat, force, and lack of balance. It usually suggests that the excess is a problem, not just a strong feeling.

So, while it once primarily served as a label for excessive drinking, "intemperate" now describes any behavior characterized by a lack of moderation or restraint—a tendency to go too far without considering the consequences.