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Words with the root temp

temp means “time”, from Latintempus.

13 examples of the root “temp”

  1. tempo-orate of time in music
  2. temporary-arylasting only a short time
  3. temple-letime-marked side of head
  4. temporal-alrelating to time
  5. temporary-arylasting only a limited time
  6. contemporarycon- + -aryexisting at the same time
  7. tempt-tto try at a moment of weakness
  8. tempest-estviolent storm at critical time
  9. temperature-aturemeasure of heat at a moment
  10. temporal-alof time, not eternal
  11. temporize-izedelay to gain more time
  12. extemporaneousex- + -aneousdone outside prepared time
  13. temporality-alitystate of being bound by time
  14. contemporaneouscon- + -aneousoccurring at the same time
  15. distemperdis- + -erbad-timed imbalance of mood

How temp works

The Latin root 'temp' (from tempus/temporis) anchors words relating to time, season, or measured duration, often appearing as 'tempor-' before vowel suffixes (e.g., temporal, temporize). It can also shift meaning toward moderation or proper timing, as seen in 'temper' and 'temperature,' reflecting the Latin idea of the right moment or proportion.

Watch out: Words like 'tempt' and 'attempt' derive from Latin temptare (to try or test) and are unrelated to tempus (time), despite their spelling similarity.

To see roots combine with other parts, try the word dissector and root builder, or test yourself in the vocabulary quiz.

Other Greek and Latin roots

Questions people ask

What does the root “temp” mean?

temp means “time”. It comes from Latin (tempus). The Latin root 'temp' (from tempus/temporis) anchors words relating to time, season, or measured duration, often appearing as 'tempor-' before vowel suffixes (e.g., temporal, temporize). It can also shift meaning toward moderation or proper timing, as seen in 'temper' and 'temperature,' reflecting the Latin idea of the right moment or proportion.

What are some examples of words with the root “temp”?

tempo, temporary, temple, temporal, temporary, contemporary, tempt, tempest. The full list of 13 examples, with what each one literally means, is above.

Which words look like they have the root “temp” but don’t?

Words like 'tempt' and 'attempt' derive from Latin temptare (to try or test) and are unrelated to tempus (time), despite their spelling similarity.

What is a root word?

A root is the core of a word that carries its main meaning. Many English roots come from Latin or Greek and cannot stand alone, like port (“carry”) in transport and portable.