Literary notes about tempered (AI summary)
The word "tempered" appears in literature with a remarkable versatility, describing both physical processes and human qualities. It often characterizes materials as having been strengthened or refined, as in the case of finely honed steel or tempered light ([1], [2], [3]). At the same time, it conveys nuances in temperament to depict characters as ill-tempered, sweet-tempered, or hot-tempered, thereby adding depth to their personalities ([4], [5], [6]). This dual use—applied to both tangible substances and the abstract qualities of emotion or behavior—allows authors to suggest a balance of extremes, whether in the modulation of passion or the precision of craftsmanship ([7], [8]).
- "The sword shines in Nidud's belt, which I whetted as I could most skilfully, and tempered, as seemed to me most cunningly.
— from The Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre Sturleson by Sæmundur fróði - Double tempered, making a good keen edge, hard--yet tough.
— from Boy Scouts Handbook by Boy Scouts of America - The roof was in shadow, and the windows, partially glazed with coloured glass and partially unglazed, admitted a tempered light.
— from The Time Machine by H. G. Wells - And then he thinks, “What an ill-tempered beast I am!
— from Tom Brown's School Days by Thomas Hughes - He was willful, stubborn and quick-tempered.
— from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant - He was a mild, good-natured, sweet-tempered, easy-going, foolish, dear fellow,—a sort of Hercules in strength, and also in weakness.
— from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - So pernicious a thing is Wit, when it is not tempered with Virtue and Humanity.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - Thus the seasons' fixed progression, Tempered in a due succession, Nourishes and brings to birth All that lives and breathes on earth.
— from The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius
