1. In music:
* Well-tempered tuning: This refers to a system of tuning in which the intervals in a musical scale are slightly adjusted to allow for playing in all keys without creating dissonances. It was developed in the 16th and 17th centuries and allowed for more flexible and expressive music.
* The Well-Tempered Clavier: This is the name of two sets of preludes and fugues by Johann Sebastian Bach, showcasing the possibilities of the well-tempered system.
2. In general usage:
* Calm and controlled: Someone who is well-tempered is typically described as being emotionally stable, patient, and not easily angered or upset.
The meaning of "well-tempered" will depend on the context in which it is used.