temporize

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

Thân thiện

The negotiator temporized by asking for more data.

Definition

1. 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").

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

• temporise