He 'tempered' his criticism 'with' a few words of encouragement. = He 'tempered' his criticism 'by' adding a few words of encouragement.
He was upset but 'kept his temper'. [=remained calm; did not become angry, begin shouting, etc.]
Higher interest rates have 'tempered' [='lessened'] the demand for new houses.
(..) Dialogue: ..,Default,,,She thought she was\Nmother Teresa serving the poor. Dialogue: ..,Default,,,It pissed me off. Dialogue: ..,Default,,,You're right about the temper. Dialogue: ..,Default,,,So, arrest me then, huh? Dialogue: ..,Default,,,I worked late Friday night. (..)2016 TvShow: Bones Title: The Death in the Defense Season: 11 Episode 11
(..) Dialogue: ..,Default,,,Cher, that woman made it to the\Nolympic trials for shot put. Dialogue: ..,Default,,,Only thing bigger than her\Ndeltoids is her temper. Dialogue: ..,Default,,,There's also this,\Nwhich may prove helpful. Dialogue: ..,Default,,,Can you hold that for a second? (..)2016 TvShow: Bones Title: The Death in the Defense Season: 11 Episode 11