Tarry Meaning: Definition and Examples
⏳
tarry
[ˈtɛri ]
Definitions
delay, linger
To tarry means to delay or be slow in leaving a place. It often implies a sense of lingering or staying longer than necessary.
Synonyms
dawdle, delay, linger, procrastinate.
Examples of usage
- We tarried at the park, enjoying the sunset.
- Don't tarry too long if you want to catch the bus.
- She often tarries over breakfast, savoring her coffee.
hesitant, slow
As an adjective, tarry describes something that is slow or sluggish, often used in a figurative sense.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The tarry smoke lingered in the air.
- His response was tarry, showing his hesitation.
- The tarry pace of the traffic made us late.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's works, characters often exhibit tarrying, reflecting on matters before taking action, showcasing the depth of human emotion.
- The word appears in classic literature, often symbolizing hesitance or contemplation, painting a vivid picture of characters caught in moments of indecision.
- In Emily Dickinson's poetry, tarrying evokes a sense of stillness, mirroring the emotional landscapes her characters navigate.
Psychology
- Tarrying can reflect a person's inability to make decisions, often linked to fear of the unknown or discomfort with change.
- This behavior ties into the concept of procrastination, where individuals postpone actions due to emotional or psychological barriers.
- The act of tarrying can serve as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to avoid immediate challenges or stressful situations.
Everyday Use
- People might tarry in social situations, enjoying the company of friends or family instead of rushing home.
- Tarrying can happen at the end of events, where people linger to soak in the atmosphere before leaving.
- In a busy world, the idea of tarrying reminds us to appreciate the moment rather than always rushing forward.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, lingering over meals or conversations is valued, promoting community and connection.
- Events like festivals often encourage tarrying, emphasizing celebration and enjoyment rather than hurried departures.
- In many traditions, taking time to reflect or meditate before moving on is a form of tarrying that fosters inner peace.
Origin of 'tarry'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tarry' comes from the Middle English word 'tarien,' which meant 'to linger or delay.'
- It has roots in the Old French word 'tare,' meaning 'to stay' or 'to delay.'
- The usage of 'tarry' has evolved over centuries but has always retained the essence of waiting or lingering.
The word 'tarry' originates from the Middle English term 'tarien', which in turn comes from the Old English 'terrian', meaning 'to delay' or 'to remain'. This is believed to be derived from a combination of the Proto-Germanic root '*tarōną', which implies 'to delay', and is related to words in other Germanic languages that similarly denote the act of stopping or remaining. Over the centuries, 'tarry' shifted from predominantly meaning to linger or delay in departure to encompassing a broader context of hesitation or slow action. By the 14th century, it was commonly used in English literature to imply not just physical delay, but also emotional or figurative hesitance. It has maintained its relevance in modern English, often used in literary contexts or poetic expressions.