noun
temperance
TEM-per-uns/ˈtempərəns/
Restraint in the satisfaction of appetites.
The woman practices temperance by declining more wine and choosing water.
Etymology
The underlying idea is keeping within proper limits. A general word for moderation and self-control became especially associated with restraint in drinking alcohol, and later sometimes with complete abstinence.
In context
converted this very Rowdy very alcohol heavy Saloon heavy little town on top of a mountain to Temperance and so they stopped drinking
More examples
- The doctor recommends temperance in both eating and drinking.
- His temperance helps him stop after one glass of wine.
- The temperance movement urged people to give up alcohol.
Forms
temperate adjective — Showing moderation in satisfying desires.
Similar words
- moderation
- Emphasizes avoiding excess rather than resisting an appetite altogether.
- abstinence
- Means completely avoiding something, not merely limiting its consumption.
- restraint
- Covers controlling actions or emotions, not just satisfying appetites.