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Dallying: meaning, definitions and examples

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dallying

 

[ ˈdæliɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

wasting time

Dallying refers to the act of wasting time or being slow in taking action. It often involves procrastination or idle behavior without purpose.

Synonyms

linger, loiter, procrastinate, stall

Examples of usage

  • Stop dallying and get to work!
  • He was dallying instead of studying for the exam.
  • Don't dally; we need to leave soon.
  • She spent the afternoon dallying at the café.
  • Dallying can lead to missed opportunities.
Context #2 | Verb

flirting

In a more playful context, dallying can mean to act flirtatiously or to toy with someone's affections. This usage is often light-hearted and can imply a lack of serious intent.

Synonyms

flirt, toy, trifle

Examples of usage

  • They were dallying with each other at the party.
  • Stop dallying around and be serious.
  • He enjoyed dallying with the girls at the club.
  • She was dallying, but he was looking for something more serious.

Translations

Translations of the word "dallying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 procrastinação

🇮🇳 बेतुकी बातें करना

🇩🇪 herumtrödeln

🇮🇩 bermain-main

🇺🇦 зволікання

🇵🇱 obijanie się

🇯🇵 だらだらする

🇫🇷 légèreté

🇪🇸 holgazanear

🇹🇷 oyalanmak

🇰🇷 빈둥대다

🇸🇦 تسويف

🇨🇿 válení se

🇸🇰 flákanie sa

🇨🇳 磨蹭

🇸🇮 lenarjenje

🇮🇸 sveifla

🇰🇿 бос уақыт өткізу

🇬🇪 ბრაზიანობა

🇦🇿 vaxtı keçirmək

🇲🇽 holgazanear

Word origin

The word 'dallying' originates from the verb 'dally,' which comes from the Middle English 'dalle' meaning to waste time or delay. It can be traced further back to the Old French 'dallier' meaning 'to delay' or 'to delay in action.' Over time, the usage of the term evolved to include not just wasted time in a general sense, but also playful or flirtatious interactions. The word resonates various nuances of irrefutable actions, often nudging individuals to reflect on their productivity and relational engagements. Today, dallying implies both the light-hearted avoidance of obligations and an innocent flirtation, showcasing the flexibility of the English language in accommodating different contexts and meanings.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,171 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.