violent temper/termperament

Question

HiCan we use the adjective violent with both temper and temperament?It's his violent temper that everyone is worried about.It's his violent temperament that everyone is worried about.Thanks,Tom

Clive · Accepted Answer

I suppose so.
With different meanings, of course.

Mr. Tom · Answer

Thanks, Clive.

I tried to check my dictionary but I am none the wiser. Could you please explain?

Tom

Clive · Answer

Here's the broad difference.

your temperament refers to your natural and long-term disposition

your temper refers to how you are when you become angry

Clive

Mr. Tom · Answer

I am grateful.

So, a person with a violent temper can be calm and composed (or even sweet) when s/he is not angry. But the person with a violent temperament is generally angry, harsh and violent because s/he has a disposition like this. Right?

Tom

Anonymous · Answer

The following is based on current US usage.

In the context you're describing, the word "temper" is used almost exclusively in three statements:

He has a (bad/violent) temper.

The three mean that the person is easily angered, which leads to physical or verbal confrontations.

The phrase "violent temperament" is incorrect usage (perhaps it is not used simply to avoid confusion with "violent temper"). If you want to convert the sense you're aiming at you'd say "He has a volatile temperament.", which would typically imply a bad temper.

Mr. Tom · Answer

Thanks, Anon.

Tom

Clive · Answer

Yes

violent temper/termperament

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