Tempering: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in metallurgy and materials science to describe the process of heating and then slowly cooling a material to achieve desired properties, such as increased toughness.

• The steel was tempered to improve its resilience.
• Tempering the blade ensures it won't become too brittle.

Commonly used in metallurgy and material science to refer to the process of heating a material and then cooling it slowly to relieve internal stresses and soften the material for further work.

• The technicians performed annealing on the metal to make it easier to shape.
• Annealing the wire reduces its hardness and makes it workable.

Refers to the rapid cooling of a heated material, usually in water or oil, to set its structure and increase hardness. Commonly used in metallurgical procedures.

• The blacksmith quenched the hot iron in water.
• Quenching is a crucial step in the hardening process.

Used to describe the process of increasing the hardness of a material, typically metals, by heating and then rapidly cooling.

• Hardening the steel increases its wear resistance.
• The knife blade underwent hardening to keep its sharp edge.

Generally used to describe the moderation or reduction of something, often used in technical or emotional contexts.

• The manager focused on tempering the team's expectations for the project.
• The glass was strengthened through a process of tempering.

Used to describe the ability to manage one's impulses, emotions, or behaviors, often linked to personal discipline.

• She demonstrated excellent self-control by avoiding the dessert table.
• Self-control is crucial for success in any field.

Often used in situations where holding back emotions or actions is necessary. It can have a slightly negative connotation if used to describe excessive control.

• He showed remarkable restraint by not reacting to the provocations.
• The artist practiced restraint in her use of colors.

Refers to the state of being calm and in control of oneself, especially in difficult situations.

• Despite the chaos, she maintained her composure during the meeting.
• His composure under pressure is admirable.