Dally: meaning, definitions and examples

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dally

 

[ ˈdæli ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

in a playful manner

To dally means to act or move slowly, playfully, or flirtatiously. It can also mean to waste time or procrastinate.

Synonyms

delay, linger, loiter

Examples of usage

  • He liked to dally with her, teasing and flirting.
  • Don't dally, we need to finish this work quickly.
Context #2 | Noun

obsolete

In the past, dally was also used as a noun to refer to a man who was a lover or sweetheart.

Synonyms

paramour, sweetheart

Examples of usage

  • She had many dallies in her youth.

Translations

Translations of the word "dally" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perder tempo

🇮🇳 समय बर्बाद करना

🇩🇪 trödeln

🇮🇩 berlama-lama

🇺🇦 байдикувати

🇵🇱 ociągać się

🇯🇵 ぐずぐずする

🇫🇷 traîner

🇪🇸 demorar

🇹🇷 oyalanmak

🇰🇷 꾸물거리다

🇸🇦 يماطل

🇨🇿 otálet

🇸🇰 otáľať

🇨🇳 拖延

🇸🇮 odlašati

🇮🇸 drolla

🇰🇿 уақытты босқа өткізу

🇬🇪 დროის დაკარგვა

🇦🇿 vaxt itirmək

🇲🇽 demorar

Etymology

The word 'dally' originated from Middle English 'dalien', which means to play or trifle. It has been in use since the 14th century and evolved to include meanings of flirting or delaying. Over time, the word has retained its playful connotations and is often used in a light-hearted or teasing manner.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,401, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.