temperance

The practice of drinking little or no alcohol.

• The group promotes temperance.
• She joined a temperance society in her youth.
• The temperance movement wanted people to stop drinking alcohol.

Similar words: abstinence

Common phrases: temperance movement, practice temperance, temperance society

The habit of controlling your desires and avoiding too much pleasure, food, or drink.

• He practiced temperance at every meal.
• Temperance in eating helped her feel healthier.
• The teacher described temperance as control over our desires.

How to use it: temperance in something (She encouraged temperance in eating and drinking.)

Similar words: moderation, self-control

Opposites: excess

Common phrases: temperance in something, practice temperance, virtue of temperance

The ability to stay calm and control strong feelings.

• He answered with temperance.
• Her temperance prevented an angry argument.
• The teacher praised his temperance in dealing with criticism.

Similar words: restraint, self-control

Common phrases: show temperance, temperance in judgment, practice temperance