temporize - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
temporize Word Meanings
- to delay making a decision
- to take time in order to gain advantage
- to act evasively
temporize Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
temporize Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈtɛmpəraɪz/
US
/ˈtɛmpəraɪz/
temporize Word Etymology
temporal + -ize; Originating from Latin 'temporalis' (of time) to Old French then to English. Imagine someone putting off a decision, like watching the sand in an hourglass slowly pass, signifying they’re temporizing.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Temporize means to delay making a decision, often to buy time or see how circumstances unfold before committing. It can describe a deliberate pause in negotiations, or behaving evasively to avoid giving a firm answer. The word combines temporal from time with the suffix -ize, tracing back to Latin temporalis and moving through Old French into English. In practice, people temporize to avoid risk or to gain bargaining leverage, like watching the sand in an hourglass slowly run. For learners, be careful not to confuse temporize with procrastinate, which implies laziness or idle postponement.
Usage Reminders
- Use temporize for deliberate strategic delay only. Do not use for casual delays. It often appears in negotiations and planning. It contrasts with procrastinate in tone. Practice with verbs like negotiate decide respond.
Common Misconceptions
- It just means procrastinating with no strategic purpose
- It is a casual everyday verb
- It implies you will never decide
- It can only be used in formal legal writing
- It has no ethical or strategic nuance
Thinking Differences
In English, temporize often signals a formal or tactical pause used in negotiations or planning. Learners may overapply it to casual delays or confuse it with simple procrastination, which lacks strategic intent.
Learning Tips
- Read multiple example sentences to notice tone
- Mark collocations with negotiate or decide
- Contrast temporize and procrastinate in own notes
- Write short dialogues using temporize
- Listen to native speeches or podcasts
- Review 1 new usage per week
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'temporize'?
A.To ignore completely
B.To act decisively
C.To apologize sincerely
D.To delay, act evasively
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'temporize' used correctly?
A.She decided to temporize and make a quick decision.
B.He temporized his response to the important question.
C.They temporized the issue with a clear resolution.
D.Temporizing with problems often leads to effective solutions.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'temporize'?
A.Resolve
B.Accelerate
C.Procrastinate
D.Communicate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'temporize'?
A.Delay
B.Avoid
C.Decisive
D.Dither
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would someone temporize?
A.When buying groceries
B.In a crisis situation
C.When making a difficult decision
D.During a job interview
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