Temperamental (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Likely to perform unpredictably; "erratic winds are the bane of a sailor"; "a temperamental motor; sometimes it would start and sometimes it wouldn't"; "that beautiful but temperamental instrument the flute"- Osbert Lancaster.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Subject to sharply varying moods; "a temperamental opera singer".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The temperamental artist was known for her explosive outbursts in the studio, but her paintings were always breathtakingly beautiful.
- Her temperamental nature made it difficult for her to maintain long-term relationships, as she would often lash out at her partners for no reason.
- The temperamental chef was notorious for his mood swings, but his restaurant was always fully booked due to his exceptional culinary skills.
- The opera singer's temperamental personality often caused tension among the cast and crew, but her voice was so divine that everyone put up with her antics.
- The temperamental weather in the mountains made it challenging for hikers to plan their trips, as the forecast could change dramatically from one hour to the next.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Relating to or caused by temperament; "temperamental indifference to neatness"; "temperamental peculiarities".
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- Her temperamental approach to household chores meant that she was as likely to leave her dirty dishes for weeks as to clean them immediately.
- He had a reputation for being a temperamental chef, famous for throwing pots and pans across the kitchen if things didn't meet his standards.
- Despite being an accomplished artist, her temperamental moods often hindered her creativity, making it difficult to work with her.
- Some employees complained that their manager was temperamental and arbitrary, giving harsh reviews to certain projects without providing any explanation.
- She loved working with clay, but its temperamental nature meant that her most carefully crafted pieces sometimes fell apart without warning.