dilatory
English edit
Etymology edit
From Middle English dilatorie, from Old French dilatoire,[1] from Latin dīlātōrius (“extending or putting off (time)”), from dīlātor, from differō. Not etymologically related to delay.
Pronunciation edit
Adjective edit
dilatory (not comparable)
- Intentionally delaying (someone or something), intended to cause delay, gain time, or adjourn decision.
- a "dilatory" strategy
- 1856, John Lothrop Motley, The Rise of the Dutch Republic. A History. […], volumes (please specify |volume=I to III), New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers, […], →OCLC:
- Alva, as usual, brought his dilatory policy to bear upon his adversary with great effect.
- Slow or tardy.
Derived terms edit
Translations edit
intentionally delaying
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slow or tardy
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Adjective edit
dilatory (not comparable)
Derived terms edit
References edit
- ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “dilatory”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.