temporize

[ˈtɛmpəraɪz]

temporize Definition

• 1. to avoid making a decision or committing oneself in order to gain time
• 2. to act evasively in order to gain time or delay a decision

Using temporize: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "temporize" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He temporized and avoided giving a direct answer.

• Example

  The politician tried to temporize the issue by changing the subject.

• Example

  She was accused of temporizing instead of taking action.

temporize Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for temporize

• procrastinate
• delay
• postpone
• stall
• dilly-dally

Antonyms for temporize

• decide
• commit
• act

Phrases with temporize

• temporize with

  to negotiate or compromise with someone in order to gain time or delay a decision

  Example

  The company is trying to temporize with the union to avoid a strike.

• temporize on

  to delay or avoid making a decision about something

  Example

  The government is temporizing on the issue of climate change.

• temporize for time

  to delay or avoid making a decision in order to gain more time

  Example

  The defendant's lawyer is trying to temporize for time in order to build a stronger case.

Origins of temporize

from Old French 'temporiser', from Latin 'tempus', meaning 'time'

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Summary: temporize in Brief

To 'temporize' [ˈtɛmpəraɪz] means to avoid making a decision or committing oneself in order to gain time. It is an evasive tactic used to delay a decision or action. Examples include 'He temporized and avoided giving a direct answer,' and 'The politician tried to temporize the issue by changing the subject.' Synonyms include 'procrastinate,' 'delay,' and 'postpone.'