intemperie
Lemma Details
Translation: outdoors; open air; elements; open weather
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: From Latin 'intemperies', meaning 'inclemency' or 'bad weather', composed of the prefix 'in-' (without) and 'temperies' (proper mixture, moderation), related to 'tempus' (time, season). The word evolved to describe exposure to weather conditions without shelter. English words like 'temperature' and 'temperate' share the same Latin root 'tempus'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No dejes la bicicleta a la intemperie.
Don't leave the bicycle out in the open.
Los sin techo duermen a la intemperie.
The homeless sleep outdoors.
La madera se deteriora cuando está expuesta a la intemperie.
Wood deteriorates when exposed to the elements.
Tuvimos que pasar la noche a la intemperie.
We had to spend the night in the open air.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'in-temper-ie' as being exposed to the 'temper' of the weather.
- Connect it with 'temperature' - being at the 'intemperie' means being exposed to whatever temperature is outside.
- Picture someone 'in tempest' (storm) without shelter.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'intemperie' is commonly used to describe situations where someone or something is exposed to weather conditions without protection. The phrase 'a la intemperie' is particularly common in everyday speech to describe being outdoors without shelter.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Interperie' is a common misspelling of 'intemperie'. The correct spelling includes the 'm' before the 'p'.
Confused word:
Pasamos la noche a la interperie. (incorrect spelling)
We spent the night outdoors. (incorrect spelling)
Notes: The misspelling likely occurs because the 'm' can be less pronounced in rapid speech.
Mnemonic: Remember the 'm' in 'intemperie' by associating it with 'temperature' - both have the 'temp' root.
Explanation: 'Intempestivo' means 'untimely' or 'inopportune', while 'intemperie' refers to being outdoors or exposed to the elements.
Confused word:
Su llegada fue intempestiva.
His arrival was untimely.
Notes: Both words share Latin roots related to 'tempus' (time), but have evolved with different meanings.
Mnemonic: 'Intemperie' relates to weather exposure, while 'intempestivo' relates to timing (think 'tempus' = time).