Dilatory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dilatory
[ˈdɪl.ə.tɔːr.i ]
Definition
tendency to delay
Dilatory describes a tendency to delay or procrastinate. It refers to actions or individuals that cause an unhurried pace, often leading to the postponement of tasks or obligations.
Synonyms
laggard, procrastinating, slow, tardy.
Examples of usage
- His dilatory approach to the project frustrated his teammates.
- The dilatory tactics employed by the defense lawyer prolonged the trial.
- She was known for her dilatory nature when it came to submitting reports.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In literature, characters who exhibit dilatory behavior often face consequences, reflecting themes of urgency and responsibility.
- Movies often depict 'dilatory' protagonists who take their time, leading to comedic or dramatic outcomes.
Psychology
- Research indicates that procrastination, often linked to dilatory behavior, can arise from fear of failure or perfectionism.
- Some studies suggest that those who delay or take their time may experience greater anxiety related to task completion.
Law
- In legal contexts, dilatory tactics can be employed to delay proceedings, impacting the fairness of trials.
- Dilly-dallying in legal matters can lead to adverse judgments or the loss of rights due to time limits.
Literature
- In Shakespeare’s works, characters often embody dilatory traits, emphasizing the theme of time and its effects.
- Charles Dickens includes dilatory characters to critique societal norms and the pressures of the Industrial Era.
Origin of 'dilatory'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Latin 'dilatorius,' which means 'delaying or postponing.'
- The word evolved in the English language during the 17th century, reflecting ideas of slowness and procrastination.
The word 'dilatory' traces its origins back to the Latin term 'dilatorius,' meaning 'to delay.' This Latin term is derived from 'dilator,' which is the agent noun form of the verb 'dilatare,' meaning 'to expand or prolong.' The first known use of 'dilatory' in English dates back to the early 17th century. Initially, the term was employed in legal contexts to describe delays in court proceedings or actions that were meant to stall or postpone decisions. Over time, its usage broadened to describe any tendency to be slow or to procrastinate in various contexts beyond law. Today, 'dilatory' is commonly used to characterize anything that causes delays, from personal habits to procedural matters.