temporize
/'tempəraiz/ Cách viết khác : (temporise) /'tempəraiz/
Definition
- Verb:
- To act evasively or indecisively in order to gain time or delay a decision or action.
- To adapt one's actions or policies to the time or circumstances; to compromise temporarily.
Usage
The verb "temporize" describes the act of deliberately stalling or being noncommittal, often in a discussion, negotiation, or decision-making process. It implies avoiding a direct answer or immediate action, typically to wait for a more favorable situation or to avoid making a difficult choice. It is often used in formal or political contexts.
Examples
- Verb:
- The diplomat was accused of temporizing instead of giving a clear answer to the proposal.
- Faced with a difficult question, the CEO temporized by saying she needed to consult her board.
- He temporized for weeks, hoping the problem would resolve itself.
Advanced Usage
"to temporize with someone": to deal with someone in a delaying or evasive manner.
- The government was criticized for temporizing with the protesters instead of addressing their demands.
"to temporize over a decision": to delay making a specific decision.
- The committee is still temporizing over the final budget allocation.
Variants and Related Words
Temporizer (noun): A person who temporizes.
- He was seen as a temporizer, never willing to take a firm stand.
Temporization (noun): The act or practice of temporizing.
- His constant temporization frustrated everyone who wanted a clear plan.
Temporising (verb, chiefly British spelling): Alternative spelling of "temporizing".
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.
- Prevaricate: To speak or act in an evasive way.
Antonyms
- Decide: To make a final choice or judgment.
- Act: To take action.
- Conclude: To bring to an end; to settle.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To play for time: An idiom with a similar meaning of delaying to gain an advantage.
- By calling for another review, they are just playing for time. (This is a synonym phrase, not a phrasal verb of "temporize").
Verb
-
draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time
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The speaker temporized in order to delay the vote
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