temporise

/'tempəraiz/ Cách viết khác : (temporise) /'tempəraiz/

Thân thiện

The negotiator temporised by asking for more data.

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.

Học thuật

Verb

1. draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time
   • The speaker temporized in order to delay the vote

Từ đồng nghĩa

• temporize