Despite the provocation, he managed to keep his temper and respond politely.

keep 的意思是"保持、维持"，指使某物或某种状态持续不变。 his 是代词 he 的所有格形式，表示"他的"。 temper 的意思是"脾气、情绪"，指一个人控制情绪的能力或状态。 keep his temper 这个短语的意思是"控制住脾气、保持冷静"，指在面对挑衅或压力时能够克制自己的情绪反应。