different between softness vs temperance

English

Etymology

From Middle English softnesse, from Old English s?ftnes, alteration of earlier s?ftnes. Equivalent to soft +? -ness.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /?s?ftn?s/
• (cot–caught merger, Canada) IPA^(key): /?s?ftn?s/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?s?ftn?s/

Noun

softness (usually uncountable, plural softnesses)

1. The quality of being soft.

Antonyms

• hardness

Translations

English

Alternative forms

• temperaunce (obsolete)

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman temperance, from Latin temperantia (“moderation, sobriety, discretion, self-control”), from temperans, present participle of temperare (“to moderate”). See temper.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?t?mp???ns/
• Hyphenation: tem?per?ance

Noun

temperance (countable and uncountable, plural temperances)

1. Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence

   temperance in eating and drinking

   temperance in the indulgence of joy

2. Moderation, and sometimes abstinence, in respect to using intoxicating liquors.
   • 1877, Arthur Conan Doyle, A Study in Scarlet

     On these occasions I have noticed such a dreamy, vacant expression in his eyes, that I might have suspected him of being addicted to the use of some narcotic, had not the temperance and cleanliness of his whole life forbidden such a notion.

3. Moderation of passion

   Synonyms: patience, calmness, sedateness

4. (obsolete) State with regard to heat or cold; temperature.
   • 1810-11, Shakespeare, The Tempest, 2.1.41

     It [the climate] must needs be of subtle, tender, and delicate temperance.

Antonyms

• intemperance
• gluttony

Coordinate terms

• (virtue): chastity, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, humility

Derived terms

Related terms

• temper
• temperament
• temperamental
• temperature

Translations

See also