Temperar

Temperar is a Portuguese verb used to describe making something ready for consumption by adding seasonings or improving texture, and it is also a technical term in metalworking. In culinary use, temperar means seasoning a dish with salt, pepper, herbs, or acids such as lemon juice, and may include dressing or light marinating to enhance flavor.

In metallurgy and materials science, temperar refers to a heat treatment called tempering, in which a metal is heated to a specific temperature and then cooled to achieve a balance of hardness and toughness. The process typically follows hardening and is designed to improve ductility and resilience.

Figurative use extends to moderation or adjustment of intensity. People temper their emotions, arguments, or expectations by careful consideration or restraint, using tempering as a way to avoid overreactions or excessive force.

Etymology and usage notes: temperar comes from Latin temperare, meaning to regulate, blend, or proportion. The form is common in both European and Brazilian Portuguese, with the past participle temperado used to describe seasoned or tempered items. The term is closely related to cognates in other Romance languages, such as temperare in Italian and templar in some contexts in Spanish.

Examples: Ela temperou a salada com azeite e limão. O ferro foi temperado para aumentar sua resistência. Ele precisou temperar o humor antes de falar com o superior.