temporise
/'tempəraiz/ Cách viết khác : (temporise) /'tempəraiz/
Definition
Verb: 1. To act evasively or indecisively in order to gain time or delay a decision. This is the primary meaning, describing the act of deliberately prolonging discussions or actions to avoid making an immediate commitment or to wait for a more favorable moment. 2. To comply temporarily with the demands of the time or circumstances; to adapt one's actions for the moment. This meaning emphasizes a short-term, often tactical, adaptation to a situation without making a permanent commitment.
Usage Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Temporize with someone/something": To deal with a person or situation in a delaying or evasive manner.
- He was accused of temporizing with the rebels instead of taking decisive action.
- The act of temporizing is often seen in political, diplomatic, or business contexts where immediate action is risky or undesirable.
Variants and Related Words
- Temporizer (noun): A person who temporizes.
- He was seen as a clever temporizer, never committing to a policy until it was safe.
- Temporization (noun): The act or practice of temporizing.
- His constant temporization frustrated those who wanted clear leadership.
Synonyms
- Procrastinate: To delay or postpone action.
- Stall: To stop or cause to stop making progress.
- Hedge: To avoid giving a direct answer or commitment.
- Equivocate: To use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment.
Related Phrases
- Play for time: To act in a way that causes a delay, especially to gain an advantage.
- His lengthy questions were just a way to play for time.
- Beat around the bush: To avoid talking about what is important.
- Stop beating around the bush and give me a straight answer.
Verb
-
draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time
-
The speaker temporized in order to delay the vote
-
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
Từ chứa "temporise"
