Temporize
verb
To delay, often with the intention of gaining time.
During negotiations, the union leaders chose to temporize instead of making a decision immediately.
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To act to suit the time or occasion, sometimes without sticking to principles.
Politicians often temporize, changing their stance if it will win them votes.
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
verb
To delay, often with the intention of gaining time.
During negotiations, the union leaders chose to temporize instead of making a decision immediately.
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To act to suit the time or occasion, sometimes without sticking to principles.
Politicians often temporize, changing their stance if it will win them votes.
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Strategic Delay
Temporize can imply using delay tactics in a smart, strategic manner to gain advantage.
The lawyer decided to temporize the court proceedings to gather more evidence.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid Decisiveness
Often used when someone intentionally avoids making a clear decision or commitment.
She chose to temporize rather than give a straight answer about her future plans.
Pro Tip 3/3Negotiation Tactic
In negotiations, it may suggest playing for time to get a better deal.
The company will temporize the deal until the market conditions improve.
Pro Tip 1/3Strategic Delay
Temporize can imply using delay tactics in a smart, strategic manner to gain advantage.
The lawyer decided to temporize the court proceedings to gather more evidence.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid Decisiveness
Often used when someone intentionally avoids making a clear decision or commitment.
She chose to temporize rather than give a straight answer about her future plans.
Pro Tip 3/3Negotiation Tactic
In negotiations, it may suggest playing for time to get a better deal.
The company will temporize the deal until the market conditions improve.
Pro Tip 1/3Strategic Delay
Temporize can imply using delay tactics in a smart, strategic manner to gain advantage.
The lawyer decided to temporize the court proceedings to gather more evidence.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid Decisiveness
Often used when someone intentionally avoids making a clear decision or commitment.
She chose to temporize rather than give a straight answer about her future plans.
Pro Tip 3/3Negotiation Tactic
In negotiations, it may suggest playing for time to get a better deal.
The company will temporize the deal until the market conditions improve.
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