cunctation
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
- cunctatious adjective
- cunctative adjective
- cunctator noun
- cunctatory adjective
Etymology
Origin of cunctation
First recorded in 1575–85; from Latin cunctātiōn- (stem of cunctātiō ) “delay,” equivalent to cunctāt(us) (past participle of cunctārī “to delay”) + -iōn- noun suffix; -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Strive not to run, like Hercules, a furlong in a breath: festination may prove precipitation; deliberating delay may be wise cunctation, and slowness no slothfulness.
From Project Gutenberg
For two days after Holstein's departure, Daun sat still, on his safe Northern shore; stirring nothing but his own cunctations and investigations, leaving the bombardment, or cannonade, to take its own course.
From Project Gutenberg
The cause of failure may be considered to have been, in good part, Daun and his cunctations.
From Project Gutenberg
Fleury's cunctations were disgusting to the ardent mind; and here now, still more insuperable, are the British Fleets; here—and a pest to him!—is your Admiral Haddock, blockading Cadiz, with his Seventy-fours!
From Project Gutenberg
But Prince Eugene's orders are express; remonstrances, cunctations only strengthen the determination of the High Heads or Head: Forward with this beautiful scheme!
From Project Gutenberg
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
