What does temporising mean?
Temporising means delaying a decision or postponing action, usually because further time is needed or because delay serves the speaker’s interests. The word often carries a mildly critical implication: saying that officials, negotiators, or committees are temporising suggests that they are avoiding a clear commitment rather than merely following a careful process. In diplomatic and political contexts, however, temporising can be an intentional strategy for preserving options, gathering information, or managing disagreement. The word can also refer more neutrally to making a temporary compromise. It is especially associated with British English, although the meaning is common internationally; American English generally spells it temporizing. Temporising is a useful word when the distinction between prudent delay and evasive indecision matters, since it highlights both the postponement and its often strategic motivation.
verbTo delay making a decision or taking action, typically in order to gain time. It can also mean to make a temporary compromise or arrangement.
- To delay making a decision or taking action, especially in order to gain time.
- To make a temporary compromise or arrangement.
"The negotiators continued temporising rather than committing themselves to a final agreement."
"The committee continued temporising while the consequences of the decision were assessed."
"The government was accused of temporising over the proposed reform."
When a decision is delayed, the delay itself may be the strategy: that is the world of temporising.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does temporising come from?
Temporising derives from the Latin temporizare, a verb associated with tempor-, meaning “time.” English borrowed the word in the late Middle English period, initially with the sense of delaying or deferring an action. Its modern meanings preserve both that idea of delay and the related sense of making a temporary arrangement. Its Latin relatives include temporary, temporality, temporal, and contemporary.
Related word forms
How temporising is actually used
Usually formal and often mildly critical, suggesting that someone is postponing a decision for tactical or expedient reasons. In diplomatic or political contexts, it may describe a deliberate strategy rather than simple indecision.
Easily confused with temporising
Temporising and temporizing have the same meaning; the former is the standard British spelling and the latter is the standard US spelling.