Four Temperaments: Sanguine, Phlegmatic,

Choleric, and Melancholic Personality Types

Today, there is no (1) _______ of personality type theories. This article is about one of the
oldest personality type systems in the world — the four temperaments model.

The origins of this typology belong to Graeco-Arabic medicine, where it was successfully
used to treat illnesses. In fact, it is still used today by practitioners of traditional medicine
around the world. Humorism, an ancient medical concept, is at the (2) _____ of this typology.
Humors here refer to fluids that are present within one’s body. Different people have different
proportions of these fluids; the predominance of one fluid defines one’s temperament and
psychological type. For example, the predominance of a phlegm humor corresponds to a
Phlegmatic personality type. The four temperaments and their predominant humors are as
follows:
 Sanguine: blood
 Phlegmatic: phlegm
 Choleric: yellow bile
 Melancholic: black bile

The predominance of one humor is said to affect one’s appearance and behavior. However,
most people have mixed temperaments, and judging solely by appearance may be difficult for
untrained enthusiasts.

Modern medicine (3) _______ this typology, but many new personality theories were
developed based on this ancient concept, often disguised under different names. Dr. Helen
Fisher’s personality types — The Explorer, The Negotiator, The Director, and The Builder —
bear a striking resemblance to Sanguine, Phlegmatic, Choleric, and Melancholic types,
respectively. Having said that, this doesn’t minimize the value of her original research.

Modern psychology is not much kinder to the four temperaments concept and, in general, (4)
_________ most personality theories altogether. Despite that, usage of its terms — sanguine,
phlegmatic, choleric, and melancholic — persists in both scientific and everyday language.
Sanguine Personality Type
People with a sanguine personality type tend to be lively, optimistic, buoyant, and carefree.
They love adventure and have high risk tolerance. Sanguine people are typically poor at
tolerating boredom and will seek variety and entertainment. Naturally, this trait can
sometimes negatively affect their romantic and other relationships.

Because this temperament is prone to pleasure-seeking behaviors, many people with sanguine
personalities are likely to (5) ________ with addictions. Their constant cravings can lead to
overeating and weight problems. Sanguine people are very creative and can become great
artists. Moreover, they are fantastic entertainers and will do well if they choose careers in the
entertainment industry. Their natural abilities will also serve them well if they choose jobs
related to marketing, travel, fashion, cooking, and sports.

Phlegmatic Personality Type

Someone with a phlegmatic personality is usually a people person. They seek interpersonal
harmony and close relationships, which makes phlegmatic people loyal spouses and loving
parents. They make it a point to (6) _______ their relationships with old friends, distant
family members, and neighbors.

People with phlegmatic temperaments tend to avoid conflict and always try to mediate
between others to (7) _______ peace and harmony. They are very much into charity and
helping others. Ideal careers for phlegmatic personality types should be related to nursing,
teaching, psychology or counseling, child development, or social services.

Choleric Personality Type

Someone with a pure choleric temperament is usually a goal-oriented person. Choleric people
are very savvy, analytical, and logical. Extremely practical and straightforward, they aren’t
necessarily good companions or particularly friendly.

They dislike small talks and enjoy deep and meaningful conversations. They would rather be
alone than in the company of shallow, superficial people. Ideally, they want to spend time
with people who have similar professional interests. Ideal jobs for Cholerics are related to the
following industries: management, technology, statistics, engineering, programming, and
business.

Melancholic Personality Type

People with melancholic personalities love traditions. Women cook for men; men open doors
for women. They love their families and friends and, (8) ______ sanguine people, they do not
look for novelty and adventure. Even more so, they avoid it as much as they can.

Someone with a melancholic temperament is unlikely to marry a foreigner or leave their

homeland for another country. Melancholic people are very social and seek to contribute to
the community. Being extremely thorough and accurate, they are fantastic managers with
good personalities. Perfect careers for melancholic personality type should be in management,
accounting, social work, or administration.

Adapted from: www.psychologia.co/four-temperaments

I. Choose the correct word to complete the gaps in the text.

1. a) shortcoming
b) shortage
c) shortchange

2. a) heart
b) back
c) stomach

3. a) refuses
b) repeats
c) rejects

4. a) dismisses
b) disguises
c) deprives

5. a) strive
b) struggle
c) strike

6. a) present
b) prevent
c) preserve

7. a) restore
b) refrain
c) reject

8. a) like
b) unlike
c) likely

II. Match the adjectives to their synonyms/definitions.

1. predominant a. trivial
2. disguised b. main
3. buoyant c. smart
4. prone d. hidden
5. savvy e. direct
6. straightforward f. happy and confident
 7. superficial g. careful
8. thorough h. sensitive

III. Look at the underlined parts of the text and answer true or false.

1. If you judge somebody by appearance, you take time to deeply analyse them.
2. If one thing bears a striking resemblance to another, the two are almost identical.
3. If you are a people person, you enjoy the company of others.
4. If you make it a point to do something, you want to avoid it at any cost.
5. If you seek to contribute to something, you make sure you are involved in it.

IV. Answer the questions.

1. What is your opinion on the ancient typology of human temperaments?
2. Which temperament category (or categories) describe(s) you best?