temporize

[ tem-puh-rahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, tem·po·rized, tem·po·riz·ing.

1. to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting.

   Synonyms: equivocate, stall, hedge

2. to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
3. to treat or parley so as to gain time (usually followed by with ).
4. to come to terms (usually followed by with ).
5. to effect a compromise (usually followed by between ).

temporize

/ ˈtɛmpəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to delay, act evasively, or protract a discussion, negotiation, etc, esp in order to gain time or effect a compromise
2. to adapt oneself to the circumstances or occasion, as by temporary or apparent agreement

Derived Forms

• ˈtempoˌrizer, noun
• ˌtemporiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• tempo·ri·zation noun
• tempo·rizer noun
• tempo·rizing·ly adverb
• non·tempo·rizing adjective
• non·tempo·rizing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of temporize¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Middle French temporiser “to wait one's time,” from Medieval Latin temporizāre “to put off the time, hang back, delay,” equivalent to Latin tempor- (stem of tempus ) “time” + Late Latin -izāre -ize

Word History and Origins

Origin of temporize¹

C16: from French temporiser, from Medieval Latin temporizāre, from Latin tempus time

Example Sentences

They might temporize with their own consciences, but not with public opinion.

From Project Gutenberg

The young man began to temporize, saying that it would be necessary for him to get a license and a preacher.

From Project Gutenberg

But Brand had made no mistake in estimating this youngster's force of character, nor did he seek to temporize.

From Project Gutenberg

To temporize with a known evil, announces either weakness, uncertainty, or collusion.

From Project Gutenberg

"I have not thought about that matter yet," she said, determined to temporize with the wretch, and gain a few days' respite.

From Project Gutenberg