Temporizing - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

delaying decision

Temporizing refers to the act of delaying or postponing a decision or action, often in order to gain time or to avoid making a commitment. This strategy can be utilized in various situations such as negotiations, discussions, or planning where individuals find it advantageous to defer decisions. It may involve evasive tactics or a refusal to take a definite stance on specific issues, which can be perceived as indecisiveness. In some cases, temporizing can serve as a means of assessing the situation or gathering more information before reaching a conclusion.

Synonyms

dawdling, procrastinating, pussyfooting, stalling.

Examples of usage

The committee was temporizing while waiting for additional data to come in.
Rather than making a firm decision, she chose to temporize until the team came to a consensus.
His habit of temporizing frustrated the more decisive members of the group.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Procrastination, which can be viewed as a form of temporizing, is often linked to fear of failure or anxiety.
Studies suggest that people may temporize as a coping mechanism during high-stress situations.
Recognizing when one is temporizing can lead to better decision-making skills and personal empowerment.

Pop Culture

In negotiations and political discussions, leaders may temporize to buy time for better positioning or to gather more information.
Characters in films often temporize to create suspense or tension before revealing their true feelings or intentions.
Many comedians use the concept of temporizing humorously, exaggerating the delays in their storytelling.

Literature

In Shakespeare's works, themes of temporizing often appear, reflecting characters who hesitate between action and indecision.
Famous literary figures, such as Hamlet, exemplify temporizing through their soliloquies, contemplating significant choices.
Modern novels often portray protagonists who temporize, mirroring human conflicts of action versus hesitation.

History

During historic treaties, leaders have temporized to negotiate terms, shifting their positions to accommodate differing views.
The term has historical connotations in military strategy, where delaying action can change the outcome of a confrontation.
Significant moments in political history include leaders who temporized while waiting for favorable conditions before making decisions.

Origin of 'temporizing'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'temporizare,' which means 'to make or keep time.'
In Old French, 'temporiser' referred to the act of delaying or wasting time.
The concept has been used in various forms in English since the late 19th century.

The term 'temporizing' originates from the Latin word 'temporizare', meaning 'to take time'. This Latin root is derived from 'tempus', which translates to 'time'. The evolution of the word in English can be traced back to the 18th century where it began to harvest a political connotation, often used to describe actions taken to delay resolution in discussions or debates. Over time, 'temporizing' has come to encompass a broader range of scenarios where individuals may choose to stall or delay actionable decisions. It's frequently found in contexts where strategic delaying tactics are beneficial, particularly in negotiations or complex discussions where the outcomes are uncertain. Its use in English highlights a trait of decision-making that is seen more negatively in contexts requiring prompt resolution; however, it can also be seen as a strategic maneuver in more complex situations.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,715 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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32712 vituperative
32713 villein
32714 retaliating
32715 temporizing
32716 contrariwise
32717 disarranged
32718 reticle
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Temporizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations