temporize

Definitions

tempor ('time') + -ize ('to make/act') = 'to act according to the time.' The neutral idea of timing your moves curdled into a negative one: to play for time, to stall and avoid committing rather than give a straight answer.

Common Collocations

• 1.temporize with在……上敷衍拖延
• 2.[temporize over a decision]拖延某个决定
• 3.stop temporizing停止拖延

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The minister temporized, refusing to confirm or deny the report.

• 2.

  Instead of deciding, the board temporized for another month.

• 3.

  Stop temporizing and tell me what you really think.