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The four temperaments were originally proposed by Hippocrates (the "father of medical science") 350 years before the birth of Christ, to explain differences in personalities, based on the predominant bodily fluid—hence the rather unappealing names: choleric, sanguine, phlegmatic, and melancholic.

Even today these same terms are used to describe temperament, by which we mean an individual's tendency to react in a certain way throughout their life, forming an identifiable pattern.

For example, the choleric tends to react quickly and intensely, and to take action immediately and decisively.
The sanguine is your classic "people person," known for their warmth, enthusiasm, and cheerful optimism.
The melancholic is deeply thoughtful and analytic, slow to respond, skeptical, sensitive, and idealistic.
The phlegmatic is usually a "peace-maker"—slow to react, calm, cooperative, and reserved.