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temporize
[ tem-puh-rahyz ]
verb (used without object)
- to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting.
Synonyms: equivocate, stall, hedge
- to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
- to treat or parley so as to gain time (usually followed by with ).
- to come to terms (usually followed by with ).
- to effect a compromise (usually followed by between ).
temporize
/ ˈtɛmpəˌraɪz /
verb
- to delay, act evasively, or protract a discussion, negotiation, etc, esp in order to gain time or effect a compromise
- to adapt oneself to the circumstances or occasion, as by temporary or apparent agreement
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Derived Forms
- ˈtempoˌrizer, noun
- ˌtemporiˈzation, noun
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Other Words From
- tempo·ri·zation noun
- tempo·rizer noun
- tempo·rizing·ly adverb
- non·tempo·rizing adjective
- non·tempo·rizing·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins
Origin of temporize1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of temporize1
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Example Sentences
They might temporize with their own consciences, but not with public opinion.
The young man began to temporize, saying that it would be necessary for him to get a license and a preacher.
But Brand had made no mistake in estimating this youngster's force of character, nor did he seek to temporize.
To temporize with a known evil, announces either weakness, uncertainty, or collusion.
"I have not thought about that matter yet," she said, determined to temporize with the wretch, and gain a few days' respite.
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