dodge,hedge,stall,tarry,waver

eb68db_5c8774f595b64073837473b2d8bc44e5.mp3

procrastinate, decide, act, resolve

dawdle,equivocate,filibuster,hesitate,linger,prevaricate,procrastinate,pussyfoot,vacillate

temporize

verb

/ˈtɛmpərʌɪz/

IPA

Dictionary definition of temporize

To delay or avoid making a decision or taking action, often in order to gain time or avoid confrontation.
"I always temporize when faced with difficult decisions."

Detailed meaning of temporize

It is often used in the context of politics, business or diplomacy where it refers to the act of avoiding making a commitment or taking a stand on an issue, in order to avoid offending someone or causing conflict. Temporizing can be seen as a way to buy time, gain more information, or avoid making a difficult decision. Temporizing can also be used to describe the act of delaying or putting off something, often in an effort to avoid dealing with an unpleasant task or situation.

In a more general sense, temporizing can refer to the act of avoiding making a commitment or taking a stand, whether it's in an effort to avoid confrontation or to buy time. It can also refer to the act of avoiding taking action or making a decision, either out of fear or indecision. Temporizing can be seen as a way to avoid making a difficult decision, or taking a stand on an issue, but it can also be seen as a way to avoid taking responsibility for one's actions, or as a form of procrastination.

Example sentences of temporize

1. When pressed for an answer, he tended to temporize to avoid commitment.
2. She chose to temporize instead of confronting the difficult issue.
3. The politician would often temporize to maintain public support.
4. They decided to temporize and gather more information before deciding.
5. His tendency to temporize in meetings frustrated his colleagues.
6. The manager had to temporize while awaiting further instructions.

History and etymology of temporize

The verb 'temporize' has its origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'temporizare.' It is formed by combining 'tempus,' meaning 'time,' and the suffix '-izare,' which indicates a process or action. In Latin, 'temporizare' meant to act or make decisions with a focus on time, often involving deliberate delays or postponements. This was done to gain time, avoid confrontation, or strategically assess a situation before committing to a course of action. As the term was adopted into English, it retained this fundamental meaning, describing the action of delaying or avoiding making a decision or taking action, often with the intent to buy time or navigate a situation carefully. The etymology of 'temporize' underscores the concept of managing or navigating time in decision-making, emphasizing the art of strategic delay or avoidance.

Find the meaning of temporize

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of temporize

1. In negotiations, it's important not to temporize excessively.
2. To avoid conflict, she would temporize rather than assert herself.
3. He tended to temporize when faced with challenging decisions.
4. The team leader knew when to temporize and when to take action.
5. The diplomat had to temporize to keep peace during tense negotiations.
6. She tends to temporize when asked for a direct answer.
7. They temporize instead of taking immediate action.
8. He will temporize in order to buy himself more time.
9. The politician chose to temporize rather than make a firm commitment.
10. We cannot afford to temporize any longer; action is needed now.
11. The manager tends to temporize when confronted with employee issues.
12. She often chooses to temporize rather than confront uncomfortable situations.
13. They must resist the temptation to temporize and make a decisive move.
14. He tends to temporize and avoid making difficult choices.
15. The company's leadership needs to stop temporizing and start implementing solutions.
16. It's important not to temporize when it comes to matters of safety.
17. The team cannot afford to temporize any longer; they must take bold actions.
18. She tends to temporize instead of facing the consequences of her actions.
19. The committee must stop temporizing and make a final decision.
20. He has a habit of temporizing and delaying important decisions.
21. The government's tendency to temporize has led to public dissatisfaction.
22. The CEO's inclination to temporize has caused frustration among the employees.
23. The coach's strategy was to temporize until the opponent made a mistake.
24. She will temporize and try to find a compromise that satisfies everyone.