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Ask Ebaby! Teachers Go Super!

meaning of "temper" in this sentense?

vikiD

vikiD

Turkey

"sales have been lagging for months as shoppers temper their spending."

in this sentence,what does "temper" here mean? just decline?

Thank you!

12:43 AM Dec 17 2008 |

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Teacher AmySuper Member!

United States

Hi there!

In this sentence, sales are declining, but the verb "temper" goes with "shoppers." The shoppers aren't declining. They're moderating or reducing the amount of money they're spending. So temper=moderate, adjust. 

 

Thanks for your question!

01:11 AM Dec 17 2008 |