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temperature

A2 noun #3,421 most common 10 min read

temperature

Top 3,421

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips temperature in 30 Seconds

Explanation temperature in your Level:

At the A1 level, temperature is a very simple word used to talk about the weather and basic health. You learn it along with words like 'hot', 'cold', 'sunny', and 'rainy'. At this stage, you should know how to ask 'What is the temperature?' and understand the answer in degrees. You might also use it to tell a doctor 'I have a high temperature'. The focus is on daily life and immediate needs. You don't need to know the science behind it, just how it affects your choice of clothing or how you feel. For example, if the temperature is 30 degrees, you wear a T-shirt. If it is 0 degrees, you wear a coat. It is one of the first words you will use when making small talk about the weather. You will also see it on thermometers in your house or on your phone's weather app. Learning this word helps you navigate basic conversations and understand simple instructions about the environment around you. It is a fundamental building block for describing the physical world.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'temperature' in more varied contexts. You can describe changes, such as 'The temperature is going up' or 'The temperature is falling'. You also start to use it in the kitchen, following recipes that specify an oven temperature. In a medical context, you can describe a fever more accurately. You might also learn common collocations like 'room temperature' or 'body temperature'. At this level, you are expected to understand that temperature is a measurement and not just a feeling. You can participate in longer conversations about the climate of your country or the weather forecast for the weekend. You will also encounter the word in simple news reports or health brochures. Understanding the difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit becomes more important if you are traveling. You are moving beyond simple labels to using the word as part of more complex descriptions of states and changes in the world.

At the B1 level, you can use 'temperature' in professional and academic settings. You can explain how temperature affects certain processes, like 'The temperature affects the growth of plants'. You also begin to understand metaphorical uses, such as 'the temperature of the debate'. You can discuss more technical aspects, like 'boiling point' or 'freezing point', and use adverbs to describe changes, like 'The temperature rose steadily' or 'The temperature dropped sharply'. In a work context, you might discuss the 'ambient temperature' of a warehouse or the 'operating temperature' of a machine. You are able to read and summarize articles that mention global temperatures and climate change. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'thermometer', 'degrees', and 'scales'. You are no longer just describing how you feel; you are using 'temperature' as a data point to support your ideas and observations in both writing and speech.

At the B2 level, you have a nuanced understanding of 'temperature'. You can use it fluently in complex discussions about science, technology, and society. You understand the difference between 'heat' (energy) and 'temperature' (measurement) and can explain this distinction to others. You are comfortable with idioms and figurative language involving temperature, such as 'taking the temperature of the room' or 'reaching a boiling point'. You can write detailed reports that analyze temperature trends over time and their impact on various industries. In academic writing, you use 'temperature' precisely as a variable. You are also aware of the cultural differences in how temperature is measured and discussed. You can follow complex documentaries and lectures on thermodynamics or meteorology without difficulty. Your use of the word is precise, and you can choose between 'temperature' and its synonyms (like 'fever' or 'thermal state') to suit the specific context and register of your communication.

At the C1 level, your use of 'temperature' is sophisticated and precise. You can use the word in highly technical or abstract ways. You might discuss 'absolute zero', 'thermal equilibrium', or 'temperature gradients' in a scientific paper. In literature and creative writing, you use temperature to create atmosphere and symbolism, moving far beyond literal descriptions. You understand the subtle connotations of the word in different registers, from the clinical 'pyrexia' to the casual 'run a bit of a temp'. You can lead discussions on complex topics like global warming, focusing on the systemic implications of rising temperatures. Your ability to use the word metaphorically is advanced; you can describe the 'political temperature' of a nation with nuance and detail. You are also sensitive to the historical and etymological roots of the word, which can inform your stylistic choices. Your command of the word allows you to communicate complex ideas with clarity, authority, and elegance.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'temperature' and all its technical, metaphorical, and idiomatic applications. You can use it as a tool for high-level analysis in any field, from theoretical physics to sociopolitical theory. You are capable of making fine distinctions between related concepts and can use the word with perfect precision in any register. You might explore the philosophical implications of temperature as a measure of disorder (entropy) or use it as a central metaphor in a complex piece of prose. You are comfortable with the most obscure technical terms and can explain them to others with ease. Your understanding is so deep that you can use the word in ways that are both innovative and perfectly clear. Whether you are drafting a policy document on climate change, writing a scientific treatise, or creating a work of art, 'temperature' is a versatile and powerful part of your linguistic repertoire. You use it with the effortless precision of a native speaker who has a deep education in the language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

temperature in 30 Seconds

Temperature measures how hot or cold something is using a thermometer. It is essential for weather, health, and cooking in daily life.
It is expressed in degrees on scales like Celsius or Fahrenheit. High temperatures mean heat, while low temperatures indicate coldness.
In medicine, 'having a temperature' is a common phrase meaning you have a fever. It is a key indicator of physical health.
Metaphorically, temperature describes the mood or intensity of a situation, such as the 'temperature of a political debate' or a meeting.

The term temperature refers to the objective measurement of thermal energy within a specific substance or environment. In everyday language, we use it to describe how hot or cold something is. This can range from the weather outside to the heat of an oven or the internal state of the human body. Scientifically, it is a physical property of matter that quantitatively expresses hot and cold. It is a fundamental concept in physics, chemistry, and meteorology, but for most learners, it is a practical word used to discuss comfort, health, and cooking. When we talk about temperature, we are often referring to a scale, such as Celsius, Fahrenheit, or Kelvin, which provides a standard way to communicate these sensations. Understanding temperature is crucial because it affects almost every aspect of our lives, from what we wear in the morning to how we prepare our food and how we monitor our health during an illness.

Meteorological Context: In weather forecasting, temperature describes the kinetic energy of air molecules. High temperatures indicate warm weather, while low temperatures indicate cold weather.
Medical Context: In medicine, temperature refers to the internal heat of a living organism. A 'high temperature' is often synonymous with a fever, indicating that the body is fighting an infection.
Culinary Context: Cooking requires precise temperature control to ensure food safety and desired textures, such as the internal temperature of a steak or the baking temperature of a cake.

The global average temperature has been steadily rising over the last century due to climate change.

Please check the baby's temperature to see if she has a fever.

Water reaches its boiling temperature at 100 degrees Celsius at sea level.

The wine should be served at room temperature for the best flavor profile.

The stars vary in color depending on their surface temperature.

Beyond the physical, temperature can be used metaphorically. We might talk about the 'temperature of a room' to describe the mood or atmosphere of a meeting. If a situation is 'heating up', the metaphorical temperature is rising, indicating increased tension or excitement. Conversely, a 'cool' reception suggests a lack of enthusiasm. This flexibility makes the word indispensable in both technical and social discussions. Whether you are discussing the thermodynamics of a jet engine or the social dynamics of a party, temperature provides a scale for measurement and a metaphor for intensity. It is one of those rare words that transitions perfectly from the laboratory to the living room, maintaining its core meaning of 'intensity of state' throughout.

Using the word 'temperature' correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the specific adjectives that typically accompany it. Because it is a measurement, it is often paired with verbs like 'measure', 'take', 'record', 'rise', 'fall', and 'drop'. In a sentence, you might say, 'The scientist measured the temperature of the liquid.' Here, 'temperature' is the object of the verb. It can also act as the subject: 'The temperature dropped significantly overnight.' Notice how the verb 'dropped' describes the change in the measurement. It is also common to use 'temperature' in prepositional phrases, such as 'at a temperature of' or 'in this temperature'.

Verb Pairings: Common verbs used with temperature include: adjust, maintain, regulate, monitor, and reach.
Adjective Modifiers: Typical adjectives include: extreme, moderate, freezing, boiling, ambient, and constant.
Prepositional Usage: We often say 'at a temperature' (The oven is at a temperature of 200 degrees) or 'below/above temperature'.

You should always wait for the engine to cool down to a safe temperature before checking the oil.

The nurse will take your temperature every four hours to monitor the infection.

The ideal storage temperature for these sensitive documents is 18 degrees Celsius.

During the summer, the daytime temperature can exceed 40 degrees in the desert.

The political temperature of the region has reached a dangerous high.

In academic writing, 'temperature' is often the independent or dependent variable in experiments. You might see phrases like 'temperature-dependent reactions' or 'the effect of temperature on rate'. In these cases, the word is used with high precision. In creative writing, however, temperature is used to set the scene. 'The biting temperature of the winter morning' evokes a strong sensory image. Whether you are being precise or poetic, the key is to ensure that 'temperature' is functioning as the metric of heat. By mastering these patterns, you can transition from simple weather talk to complex scientific or emotional descriptions with ease.

The word 'temperature' is ubiquitous in daily life. You will hear it every morning on the news during the weather segment. Meteorologists spend a significant portion of their time discussing 'highs' and 'lows' and the 'current temperature'. In a medical setting, it is one of the first things a doctor or nurse will ask about. 'Do you have a temperature?' is a common way of asking if you have a fever. In the workplace, especially in offices, the 'office temperature' is a frequent topic of debate and lighthearted conflict between those who feel too cold and those who feel too warm. In industrial settings, temperature control is vital for manufacturing, computing (keeping servers cool), and food logistics.

News & Media: 'Expect a sharp drop in temperature tonight as the cold front moves in from the north.'
Healthcare: 'I'm going to take your temperature now; just hold this under your tongue for a moment.'
Home & Kitchen: 'The recipe says the oven temperature should be exactly 350 degrees for the bread to rise correctly.'

The pilot announced that the outside air temperature at 30,000 feet is minus 40 degrees.

If you have a high temperature and a cough, you should stay home and rest.

The server room must be kept at a low temperature to prevent hardware failure.

We need to take the temperature of the team before we announce the new policy.

The ocean temperature is rising, which affects coral reef health.

You will also encounter the word in environmental discussions. 'Global temperature' is perhaps one of the most significant phrases of the 21st century, appearing in thousands of articles and documentaries about the climate. In sports, commentators might mention the 'on-field temperature' to explain why players are fatiguing quickly. In summary, whether the context is global, local, personal, or metaphorical, 'temperature' is the primary tool we use to quantify and discuss the intensity of heat in our world.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing the temperature itself with the feeling of heat. It is common to hear someone say 'The temperature is very hot today.' Technically, this is incorrect. A temperature is a numerical value; numbers can be high or low, but they cannot be 'hot' or 'cold'. The correct way to express this is 'The temperature is very high today' or 'The weather is very hot today'. Another common error involves the use of the article 'a'. In English, 'having a temperature' specifically means having a fever. If you say 'I have temperature', it sounds incomplete. You must say 'I have a temperature' to mean you are ill, or 'I am measuring the temperature' to refer to the general concept.

High/Low vs. Hot/Cold: Incorrect: The temperature is cold. Correct: The temperature is low / The air is cold.
A Temperature (Fever): Mistake: 'The baby has temperature.' Correct: 'The baby has a temperature' or 'The baby has a fever.'
Spelling: Learners often forget the 'er' in the middle: 'tempture' is a common misspelling. Remember: tem-per-a-ture.

Incorrect: The temperature is boiling today. Correct: The temperature is very high today.

Incorrect: What is the temperature of your fever? Correct: How high is your temperature?

Incorrect: I like this temperature. Correct: I like this weather / I like it when the temperature is like this.

Incorrect: The temperature fell down. Correct: The temperature fell / The temperature dropped.

Incorrect: Temperture. Correct: Temperature.

Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the plural form. While 'temperatures' (plural) is used when comparing multiple locations or times (e.g., 'Temperatures across Europe are rising'), it is often better to use the singular when referring to a specific state. Finally, be careful with the word 'heat'. While related, 'heat' is the energy itself, whereas 'temperature' is the measurement of that energy. You can feel the heat, but you read the temperature.

While 'temperature' is the most common and precise word for the measurement of heat, several other words can be used depending on the context. 'Heat' and 'cold' are the most direct sensations associated with temperature. In scientific contexts, you might hear 'thermal state' or 'kinetic energy'. In medical contexts, 'fever' or 'pyrexia' are specific types of high temperature. If you are talking about the general feeling of the air, 'climate' or 'weather' might be more appropriate. For metaphorical uses, 'mood', 'atmosphere', or 'tension' can often replace the figurative 'temperature'.

Temperature vs. Heat: Heat is the energy transferred; temperature is the measurement of the average kinetic energy. You can't say 'the heat is 30 degrees'.
Temperature vs. Climate: Climate refers to long-term patterns, while temperature is a specific data point at a single moment.
Fever (Medical): In a medical context, saying 'he has a temperature' is a colloquial way of saying 'he has a fever'.

The fever broke during the night, and his temperature returned to normal.

The climate of the region is arid, with high daytime temperatures.

There was a palpable sense of tension in the room, raising the metaphorical temperature.

The warmth of the sun was a welcome change from the freezing temperatures of winter.

The intensity of the debate mirrored the rising temperature of the public discourse.

Choosing the right alternative depends on your goal. If you want to be scientifically accurate, stick with 'temperature'. If you want to describe a feeling, use 'heat' or 'chill'. If you are describing a person's health, 'fever' is the most precise term. By understanding these nuances, you can avoid repetitive language and express yourself with greater clarity and variety in both written and spoken English.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Before it was used for heat, 'temperature' meant a person's character or 'temperament'. It wasn't until the 17th century, with the invention of the thermometer, that it took on its modern scientific meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtem.prə.tʃər/

US /ˈtem.pər.ə.tʃʊər/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: TEM-per-a-ture.

Rhymes With

literature expenditure curvature investiture forfeiture portraiture admixture fixture

Common Errors

Pronouncing it with five syllables: tem-per-a-tu-re.
Missing the 'r' sound: tem-pa-ture.
Stressing the second syllable: tem-PER-ature.
Pronouncing the 't' at the end like a hard 't' instead of a 'ch'.
Confusing the spelling and pronunciation of the 'er' and 'ure' endings.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is common in weather reports and basic news, making it easy to recognize.

Writing 3/5

The spelling 'temperature' can be tricky for learners due to the silent 'e' and the 'ure' ending.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is usually understood even if slightly mispronounced, as the context is often clear.

Listening 3/5

In fast speech, the word is often shortened, which can be confusing for new learners.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

hot cold weather degree measure

Learn Next

thermometer climate humidity forecast fever

Advanced

thermodynamics equilibrium convection conduction radiation

Grammar to Know

Adjectives for Measurements

Use 'high' or 'low' for temperature, not 'big' or 'small'.

The Article 'A' with Illness

Say 'I have a temperature' to mean a fever.

Zero Plurality

In English, we say 'zero degrees' (plural).

Prepositions of Place

Use 'at' for specific points: 'at a temperature of 50 degrees'.

Compound Nouns

Temperature often acts as the second part of a compound noun: 'room temperature'.

Examples by Level

The temperature is twenty degrees today.

La température est de vingt degrés aujourd'hui.

Basic subject-verb-complement structure.

It is a very cold temperature.

C'est une température très froide.

Using 'cold' to describe the temperature (common at A1).

Check the temperature of the water.

Vérifiez la température de l'eau.

Imperative sentence.

I have a high temperature.

J'ai une température élevée.

'A high temperature' means a fever.

What is the temperature outside?

Quelle est la température à l'extérieur ?

Interrogative sentence.

The temperature is hot in summer.

La température est chaude en été.

Simple present tense.

The thermometer shows the temperature.

Le thermomètre indique la température.

Identifying the tool used for measurement.

The temperature is zero degrees.

La température est de zéro degré.

Using 'zero' with the noun.

The temperature dropped last night.

La température a chuté la nuit dernière.

Past simple of 'drop'.

The oven temperature is too high.

La température du four est trop élevée.

Compound noun 'oven temperature'.

Keep the medicine at room temperature.

Conservez le médicament à température ambiante.

Prepositional phrase 'at room temperature'.

The nurse is taking my temperature.

L'infirmière prend ma température.

Present continuous tense.

The temperature will rise tomorrow afternoon.

La température augmentera demain après-midi.

Future tense with 'will'.

Is the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit?

La température est-elle en Celsius ou en Fahrenheit ?

Using 'or' for comparison.

The cat likes the warm temperature of the sun.

Le chat aime la température chaude du soleil.

Adjective 'warm' modifying 'temperature'.

We need to monitor the temperature of the fridge.

Nous devons surveiller la température du réfrigérateur.

Infinitive phrase 'to monitor'.

The temperature fluctuates greatly in the desert.

La température fluctue considérablement dans le désert.

Using the verb 'fluctuates'.

Maintain a constant temperature for the experiment.

Maintenez une température constante pour l'expérience.

Adjective 'constant' with 'temperature'.

The global temperature is a major concern.

La température mondiale est une préoccupation majeure.

Using 'global' as a modifier.

Boiling water reaches a temperature of 100°C.

L'eau bouillante atteint une température de 100°C.

Phrase 'reaches a temperature of'.

The operating temperature of the computer is high.

La température de fonctionnement de l'ordinateur est élevée.

Technical term 'operating temperature'.

He took the temperature of the political debate.

Il a pris la température du débat politique.

Metaphorical use of 'taking the temperature'.

The temperature was recorded every hour.

La température était enregistrée toutes les heures.

Passive voice 'was recorded'.

Adjust the temperature until you are comfortable.

Ajustez la température jusqu'à ce que vous soyez à l'aise.

Conjunction 'until'.

The reaction is highly sensitive to temperature changes.

La réaction est très sensible aux changements de température.

Phrase 'sensitive to temperature changes'.

Ambient temperature can affect battery life.

La température ambiante peut affecter la durée de vie de la batterie.

Using 'ambient' as a formal adjective.

The temperature gradient across the room was noticeable.

Le gradient de température dans la pièce était perceptible.

Noun phrase 'temperature gradient'.

We must regulate the temperature to prevent spoilage.

Nous devons réguler la température pour éviter la détérioration.

Verb 'regulate' for control.

The temperature reached a record high this summer.

La température a atteint un record cet été.

Phrase 'reached a record high'.

The social temperature of the city was rising.

La température sociale de la ville augmentait.

Figurative use 'social temperature'.

The temperature dropped below freezing point.

La température est descendue en dessous du point de congélation.

Phrase 'below freezing point'.

The stars vary in color based on their temperature.

Les étoiles varient de couleur en fonction de leur température.

Prepositional phrase 'based on'.

The phenomenon is independent of temperature variations.

Le phénomène est indépendant des variations de température.

Phrase 'independent of'.

A rise in global temperature leads to rising sea levels.

Une augmentation de la température mondiale entraîne une élévation du niveau de la mer.

Cause and effect structure.

The patient was suffering from a sustained high temperature.

Le patient souffrait d'une température élevée prolongée.

Adjective 'sustained' modifying 'high temperature'.

The temperature of the discourse was remarkably civil.

La température du discours était remarquablement civile.

Advanced metaphorical use.

They measured the temperature using an infrared sensor.

Ils ont mesuré la température à l'aide d'un capteur infrarouge.

Specifying the method of measurement.

The core temperature of the sun is millions of degrees.

La température centrale du soleil est de plusieurs millions de degrés.

Noun phrase 'core temperature'.

The temperature plummeted as the sun dipped below the horizon.

La température a chuté brusquement alors que le soleil passait sous l'horizon.

Using the evocative verb 'plummeted'.

Thermodynamics deals with the relationship between heat and temperature.

La thermodynamique traite de la relation entre la chaleur et la température.

Academic context.

The system reached thermal equilibrium at a stable temperature.

Le système a atteint l'équilibre thermique à une température stable.

Highly technical scientific terminology.

The political temperature reached a fever pitch during the election.

La température politique a atteint son paroxysme pendant l'élection.

Idiomatic phrase 'reached a fever pitch'.

Absolute zero represents the theoretical lower limit of temperature.

Le zéro absolu représente la limite inférieure théorique de la température.

Defining a scientific concept.

The temperature-dependent nature of the catalyst was explored.

La nature dépendante de la température du catalyseur a été explorée.

Hyphenated adjective 'temperature-dependent'.

A subtle shift in the cultural temperature was evident in the art.

Un changement subtil de la température culturelle était évident dans l'art.

Abstract metaphorical application.

The cryogenic storage requires maintaining a temperature near 0K.

Le stockage cryogénique nécessite le maintien d'une température proche de 0K.

Technical industrial context.

The author uses temperature as a motif to signify emotional distance.

L'auteur utilise la température comme motif pour signifier la distance émotionnelle.

Literary analysis context.

The temperature fluctuations were negligible in the controlled environment.

Les fluctuations de température étaient négligeables dans l'environnement contrôlé.

Using 'negligible' to describe the degree of change.

Synonyms

heat coldness warmth thermal level climate

Antonyms

absolute zero thermal stability

Common Collocations

high temperature

low temperature

room temperature

body temperature

record temperature

ambient temperature

average temperature

constant temperature

operating temperature

dropping temperature

Common Phrases

take someone's temperature

— To use a thermometer to measure how hot someone's body is. It is a standard medical action.

The mother took her son's temperature because he looked pale.

run a temperature

— To have a fever. This is a common idiomatic way to say someone is sick.

I think I'm running a temperature; I feel very hot.

at a temperature of

— Used to specify the exact measurement of heat. It is common in recipes and science.

Bake the bread at a temperature of 200 degrees.

temperature rises

— When the heat increases. This can be literal (weather) or metaphorical (anger).

The temperature rises quickly in the morning sun.

temperature drops

— When the heat decreases. Usually used to describe weather changes.

The temperature drops as soon as the sun goes down.

ideal temperature

— The best or most suitable measurement for a specific purpose.

18 degrees is the ideal temperature for sleeping.

extreme temperatures

— Very high or very low heat that can be dangerous or uncomfortable.

The hikers were not prepared for the extreme temperatures.

surface temperature

— The measurement of heat on the outermost layer of an object.

The surface temperature of the pan was very high.

water temperature

— The measurement of how hot or cold water is, important for swimming or cooking.

The water temperature is perfect for a swim.

global temperature

— The average measurement of heat across the entire planet.

Scientists are tracking the rise in global temperature.

Often Confused With

temperature vs heat

Heat is the total energy, while temperature is the average energy measurement.

temperature vs weather

Weather includes rain, wind, and sun, while temperature is just the heat level.

temperature vs climate

Climate is a long-term pattern, while temperature is a single moment's data.

Idioms & Expressions

"take the temperature of"

— To gauge the mood, opinion, or feeling of a group of people. It is used in business and politics.

Before we launch the product, let's take the temperature of the focus group.

business/professional

"at a fever pitch"

— When a situation reaches a level of extreme excitement, agitation, or intensity. It relates to a high temperature.

The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as the goal was scored.

journalistic/casual

"boiling point"

— The point at which a person or situation becomes so angry or tense that it explodes into action.

The workers' frustration reached boiling point when the bonuses were cancelled.

informal/metaphorical

"cold feet"

— To become nervous or lose courage before a big event. While 'cold' refers to temperature, the idiom is purely psychological.

He got cold feet right before the wedding and almost didn't go.

informal

"cool as a cucumber"

— To remain calm and composed, especially under pressure. It uses the idea of a low, stable temperature.

Despite the emergency, she stayed as cool as a cucumber.

informal

"in the heat of the moment"

— Doing something without thinking because you are very angry or excited. It refers to a metaphorical high temperature.

I said some things I didn't mean in the heat of the moment.

informal

"blow hot and cold"

— To keep changing your mind or your attitude about something. It refers to fluctuating temperatures.

He keeps blowing hot and cold about whether he wants the job.

informal

"break the ice"

— To say or do something to make people feel more relaxed in a social situation. It relates to changing the 'temperature' of a room.

He told a joke to break the ice at the start of the meeting.

neutral

"under the weather"

— Feeling slightly ill. While not using the word 'temperature', it is the most common idiom for the state of having a temperature.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I'll stay home.

informal

"keep a cool head"

— To stay calm and sensible in a difficult or dangerous situation.

It's important to keep a cool head during a crisis.

neutral

Easily Confused

temperature vs Temperament

They share the same Latin root 'temper'.

Temperament refers to a person's nature or character, while temperature refers to heat.

He has a calm temperament, even when the temperature is high.

temperature vs Temperate

It is the adjective form related to temperature.

Temperate refers to a climate that is never too hot or too cold.

We live in a temperate zone with mild temperatures.

temperature vs Thermal

Both relate to heat.

Thermal is an adjective meaning 'relating to heat', while temperature is the noun for the measurement.

Thermal imaging shows the temperature of the building.

temperature vs Thermostat

Both relate to controlling heat.

A thermostat is the device that controls the temperature.

Turn the thermostat up to increase the room temperature.

temperature vs Fever

Used interchangeably in health contexts.

Fever is the condition; temperature is the measurement of that condition.

His fever was high, with a temperature of 102 degrees.

Sentence Patterns

The temperature is [number].

The temperature is 30.

The [noun] temperature is [adjective].

The water temperature is cold.

The temperature [verb] by [number] degrees.

The temperature rose by five degrees.

At [adjective] temperature, [result].

At high temperature, the ice melts.

The [adjective] of temperature [verb] the [noun].

The fluctuation of temperature affects the harvest.

[Noun] is a function of temperature.

Viscosity is a function of temperature.

Mixed

Maintain the temperature at [number].

Maintain the temperature at 4 degrees.

Mixed

Check the temperature of [noun].

Check the temperature of the oil.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely common in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

The temperature is very hot. → The temperature is very high.
Temperature is a numerical value, so it is high or low. The weather or air is hot or cold.
He has temperature. → He has a temperature.
To mean a fever, you must use the indefinite article 'a'.
I'm going to temperature the water. → I'm going to measure the temperature of the water.
Temperature is a noun, not a verb. You must use a verb like 'measure' or 'check'.
The tempurature is rising. → The temperature is rising.
The spelling 'tempurature' is incorrect; it should be 'temperature'.
The temperature fell down. → The temperature fell / dropped.
We don't use 'down' with 'fell' for temperature; 'fell' or 'dropped' is sufficient.

Tips

High/Low vs. Hot/Cold

Always pair 'temperature' with 'high' or 'low'. Use 'hot' and 'cold' for the air, the water, or the weather.

Medical Usage

Remember that 'a temperature' (with the article 'a') specifically refers to a fever in medical contexts.

The Silent E

Don't forget the second 'e' in temperature. It's tem-per-a-ture, even if you don't hear it clearly.

Scale Matters

If you are traveling, check if the country uses Celsius or Fahrenheit to avoid confusion with the numbers.

Metaphorical Use

Use 'taking the temperature' in meetings to show you are aware of the group's feelings and morale.

Precision

In a lab, use 'ambient temperature' instead of 'room temperature' for a more professional tone.

The 'Chur' Sound

The ending '-ture' is pronounced like 'chur' (as in 'church'). This applies to 'nature' and 'picture' as well.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'temperature' in one sentence, try using 'heat level' or 'thermal state' in the next to keep it interesting.

Internal Temp

When cooking meat, always mention the 'internal temperature' for safety and precision.

Small Talk

Asking about the temperature is a safe and polite way to start a conversation in almost any English-speaking country.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'TEMPER' (anger) that 'ATURE' (nature) has. When nature gets angry, the temperature goes up!

Visual Association

Imagine a tall thermometer where the red liquid is rising up like a rocket. The word 'TEMPER' is written on the thermometer.

Word Web

Degrees Celsius Fahrenheit Thermometer Weather Fever Heat Cold

Challenge

Try to use the word 'temperature' in three different ways today: once about the weather, once about food, and once about a person's health.

Word Origin

The word 'temperature' comes from the Latin word 'temperatura', which means 'a mixing' or 'a tempering'. It is derived from the verb 'temperare', meaning 'to mix in due proportion'.

Original meaning: In the Middle Ages, it referred to the 'mixture' of the four humors in the body, which was believed to determine a person's health and personality.

Latinate / Romance origin, entering English through Old French.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing 'high temperatures' in the context of climate change, as it can be a politically sensitive topic in some regions.

The British love to complain about the temperature, whether it is too hot or too cold. It is a social bonding ritual.

The book 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury refers to the temperature at which book paper catches fire. The song 'Temperature' by Sean Paul uses the word to describe physical attraction and dancing. Scientific documentaries often refer to 'Absolute Zero' as the ultimate limit of temperature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecasting

What's the temperature?
High temperature
Low temperature
Temperature drop

Medical / Health

Take your temperature
Have a temperature
High temperature
Normal body temperature

Cooking

Oven temperature
Room temperature
Internal temperature
Bake at a temperature of

Science / Lab

Constant temperature
Ambient temperature
Temperature control
Measure the temperature

Business / Social

Take the temperature of the room
Political temperature
Social temperature
Emotional temperature

Conversation Starters

"What is the average temperature in your hometown during the summer?"

"Do you prefer hot or cold temperatures when you are on vacation?"

"How often do you check the temperature on your phone?"

"What do you do when the temperature in your office is too high?"

"Have you ever experienced extreme temperatures below zero?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you had a very high temperature and how you felt.

Write about your favorite season and explain how the temperature affects your mood.

If you could control the temperature of the world, what would you change?

Discuss how rising global temperatures might change the way we live in the future.

Describe the 'temperature' of your favorite place to relax. Is it warm and cozy or cool and fresh?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is countable when referring to specific measurements, like 'The temperatures in May and June were different'. It is uncountable when talking about the general concept of heat measurement.

In British and American English, 'having a temperature' is a common way to say someone has a fever. For example, 'The baby has a temperature' means the baby is sick.

Technically, no. A temperature is a number, so it is 'high' or 'low'. However, in casual speech, people sometimes say 'the temperature is hot' to mean 'the weather is hot'.

It is spelled T-E-M-P-E-R-A-T-U-R-E. A common mistake is to forget the 'e' after the 'p' or the 'a' in the middle.

Room temperature is the normal temperature of a room where people are comfortable, usually around 20-22 degrees Celsius (68-72 degrees Fahrenheit).

They are different scales for measuring temperature. Water freezes at 0°C or 32°F and boils at 100°C or 212°F.

This is a metaphorical phrase meaning to try to understand the mood or opinions of the people in a room before speaking or acting.

You can say, 'Set the oven temperature to 180 degrees' or 'Check the internal temperature of the meat'.

Absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature, where nothing can be colder and no heat energy remains in a substance.

'Temp' is a common abbreviation for temperature in casual speech or on digital displays, but it should not be used in formal writing.