temperature - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
temperature Word Meanings
- the degree of heat present in a substance
- a measure of warmth or coldness
- the state of the environment regarding heat
temperature Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
temperature Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈtɛmpərətʃə/
US
/ˈtɛmpərtʃər/
temperature Word Etymology
temp- = time/season, -erature = measure. Originated from Latin 'temperatura' → Old French → English. Imagine a thermometer shaped like a clock, measuring the heat of the seasons.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my hand on the thermostat and turn the dial, and the room's air begins to move. With each small nudge, the temperature changes and I feel warmth or coolness brush against my skin. I keep adjusting, chasing that comfortable balance, and the space settles into a quiet sense of rightness.
Real Context
Temperature is the measure of how hot or cold something is, and it appears in weather reports, cooking, science, and health contexts. We express it with numbers and units like Celsius or Fahrenheit, and describe it as high or low, or as it rises and falls over time. In everyday English, temperature can refer to air temperature, surface temperature, or body temperature, and we often use phrases like room temperature or body temperature to specify the kind of measurement. When learning, pay attention to the common collocations with high/low temperature and the appropriate unit for each context.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: temperature is the measure of heat, not mood
- Use Celsius or Fahrenheit correctly with numbers
- Say 'high temperature' or 'low temperature' (not 'high heat' for most cases)
- Specify the kind of temperature (room, body, surface) when needed
- Weather talk uses temperatures (plural) more often than a single temperature
- Mixing up heat and temperature is a common learner mistake
Common Misconceptions
- Temperature is the same as heat or warmth.
- Temperature describes mood or personality.
- Temperature must always be given in Celsius.
- Body temperature is the same as room temperature.
- Temperature is a discrete value you can count.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: Temperature is a measurable physical quantity and has specific collocations in weather, cooking, and science; avoid treating it as a mood or a general heat feeling.
Learning Tips
- Learn fixed collocations: high temperature, low temperature, temperature rises, temperature falls
- Practice with weather and cooking contexts to reinforce usage
- Remember units: Celsius and Fahrenheit, and how to convert
- Distinguish when temperature is countable (a high temperature) vs uncountable
- Differentiate temperature from heat in explanations
- Use examples with room temperature, body temperature, and surface temperature
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of the word 'temperature'?
A.A measure of how hot or cold something is
B.A type of food
C.A color
D.A type of transportation
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'temperature' used correctly?
A.The temperature outside is 25 degrees Celsius
B.I love the temperature of that painting
C.Please pass me the temperature
D.I need to temperature my shoes before wearing them
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'temperature'?
A.Height
B.Speed
C.Volume
D.Heat
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'temperature'?
A.Freezing
B.Bright
C.Dry
D.Soft
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you need to know the temperature?
A.Playing a sport
B.Cooking a recipe
C.Driving a car
D.Reading a book
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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