The quality of being good-tempered; having an even, calm, and patient disposition without anger or irritability.
From 'good-tempered' (adjective meaning having a calm disposition) plus '-ness' (abstract noun suffix). 'Tempered' comes from Old French 'temperer' (to regulate, moderate), ultimately from Latin 'temperare' (to mix in proper proportion), connecting emotional regulation to the idea of proper balance.
The word 'tempered' originally meant 'properly mixed in the right proportions'—think of tempering metal or chocolate. When applied to personality, 'good-tempered' suggests your emotions are well-balanced and properly proportioned, not flying all over the place. It's a metaphor from craft and chemistry applied to character.
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