temporize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “temporize” mean?
To deliberately delay making a decision or taking action in order to gain time or avoid commitment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To deliberately delay making a decision or taking action in order to gain time or avoid commitment.
To act in a non-committal or evasive manner, often by making temporary agreements or concessions, typically for strategic advantage in a negotiation or debate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Both use the same form. The British alternative spelling 'temporise' (with an 's') is also common.
Connotations
Slightly more common in political or diplomatic discourse in UK English. In US English, it is often associated with bureaucratic or corporate contexts.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher occurrence in British political journalism.
Grammar
How to Use “temporize” in a Sentence
subject temporizessubject temporizes over issuesubject temporizes with opponentVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “temporize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The minister was criticised for temporising during the crisis.
- They temporised over the planning application for months.
American English
- The senator temporized during the debate, refusing to give a straight answer.
- Management temporized by forming another committee to study the problem.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The CEO accused the board of temporizing over the crucial merger, which allowed competitors to gain ground.
Academic
The philosopher criticized politicians who temporize on ethical issues instead of taking a principled stand.
Everyday
Stop temporizing and tell me whether you're coming to the party or not!
Technical
In negotiation theory, a party may temporize by requesting further data to alter the power dynamic.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “temporize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “temporize”
- Confusing it with 'temporal' (relating to time). Using it to mean 'to make temporary' in a neutral sense (e.g., 'to temporize a solution').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it typically carries a negative connotation of avoiding commitment or being evasive.
The most common noun is 'temporization' (US) / 'temporisation' (UK), though it's rare. 'Temporizer' refers to a person who temporizes.
'Hesitate' implies internal doubt or reluctance. 'Temporize' implies a deliberate, often strategic, action to delay externally.
Extremely rarely. In very specific diplomatic contexts, temporizing might be seen as a prudent tactic to avoid conflict, but it is still viewed as avoiding a definitive stance.
To deliberately delay making a decision or taking action in order to gain time or avoid commitment.
Temporize is usually formal in register.
Temporize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɛmpəraɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɛmpəˌraɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To play for time”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'TEMPORary' + 'IZE' -> To make things temporary, i.e., to avoid a permanent decision.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME AS A RESOURCE TO BE MANAGED (often squandered).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'temporize'?