temporize

tem·po·rize  (tmp-rz)

intr.v. tem·po·rized, tem·po·riz·ing, tem·po·riz·es

1. To act evasively in order to gain time, avoid argument, or postpone a decision: "Colonial officials . . . ordered to enforce unpopular enactments, tended to temporize, to find excuses for evasion" (J.H. Parry).

2. To engage in discussions or negotiations, especially so as to achieve a compromise or gain time.

3. To yield to current circumstances or necessities; act to suit the time.

---

[French temporiser, from Old French, from Medieval Latin temporizre, to pass one's time, from Latin tempus, tempor-, time.]

---

tempo·ri·zation (-pr--zshn) n.

tempo·rizer n.

---

temporize or -rise

Verb

[-rizing, -rized] or -rising, -rised

1. to delay, act evasively, or protract a negotiation in order to gain time or avoid making a decision: `Well,' I temporized, `I'll have to ask your mother'

2. to adapt oneself to circumstances, as by temporary or apparent agreement [Latin tempus time]

Thesaurus

Verb

1.

temporize - draw out a discussion or process in order to gain time; "The speaker temporized in order to delay the vote" temporise prolong, protract, draw out, extend - lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer; "We prolonged our stay"; "She extended her visit by another day"; "The meeting was drawn out until midnight"

Translations

temporize [ˈtɛmpəraɪz] vi → atermoyer; transiger

temporize [ˈtɛmpəraɪz] vi → ausweichen

temporize [ˈtɛmpəraɪz] vi → temporeggiare