temporize Hear it!

temporize Definition

tem·po·rize (tem′pə rīz′)

intransitive verb -·rized′, -·riz′·ing

  1. to suit one's actions to the time, occasion, or circumstances, without reference to principle
    1. to give temporary compliance or agreement, evade immediate decision, etc., so as to gain time or avoid argument
    2. to parley or deal (with a person, etc.) so as to gain time
  3. to effect a compromise (with a person, etc., or between persons or parties); negotiate

Etymology: Fr temporiser < ML temporizare < L tempus, time: see temper

temporize Related Forms

tem′·po·ri·za′·tion noun tem′·po·riz′er noun

temporize Synonyms

temporize

v.

hedge, stall, balk; see delay 1, hesitate.

temporize Usage Examples

Object

  • ground: When the position is such that neither side will gain by making the first move, it is called temporizing ground.
  • passivity: From this general perspective, ABC for a Marxist, he contrives however to make a recipe of temporizing passivity and national nihilism.

Modifying Another Word

not: They did not falter, they did not dissemble, they did not temporize.