In Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare, the word ‘temperate’ is used to describe the fair youth’s mild and balanced nature. The line ‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate’ suggests that the youth’s beauty and temperament are more consistent and pleasant than the often harsh and unpredictable nature of summer.
The term ‘temperate’ here implies a sense of moderation and steadiness. Unlike the extreme heat or sudden storms of summer, the youth’s qualities are gentle and enduring. This comparison highlights the youth’s superior and timeless beauty, which remains unaffected by the changing seasons.
Shakespeare’s use of ‘temperate’ not only emphasizes the youth’s physical beauty but also their inner qualities, suggesting a harmonious and balanced character. This makes the youth an ideal subject for the poet’s admiration and the sonnet’s enduring theme of immortal beauty.