temporize Definition
tem·po·rize (tem′pə rīz′)
intransitive verb -·rized′, -·riz′·ing
- to suit one's actions to the time, occasion, or circumstances, without reference to principle
- to give temporary compliance or agreement, evade immediate decision, etc., so as to gain time or avoid argument
- to parley or deal (with a person, etc.) so as to gain time
- 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 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.
Browse dictionary entries near temporize
- ‹ temporary restraining order
- ‹ temporary
- ‹ temporarily
- ‹ temporality
- ‹ temporal bone
- ‹ temporal
- ‹ tempo
- ‹ Templeton, Charles
- ‹ templet
- ‹ Temple,William
- temporizer ›
- temporomandibular ›
- temporomandibular joint disorder ›
- tempt ›
- temptation ›
- tempted ›
- tempter ›
- tempting ›
- temptress ›
- tempura ›

