What does temporize mean?
Temporize is a formal verb meaning to delay or postpone a decision or action, especially when doing so allows someone more time or avoids a risky commitment. It can also suggest adapting one's conduct to circumstances by making cautious concessions rather than taking a decisive course. The word often appears in political, diplomatic, and legal contexts, where it can imply that action is being deferred for strategic reasons. In contemporary English, temporize is less common than delay, postpone, or procrastinate, but it gives a more specific and literary tone. Its association with buying time makes it especially useful for describing decisions that are deliberately postponed while circumstances, negotiations, or further information are awaited. The related word temporary has a different function: it describes something lasting for a short period rather than the act of postponing action.
verbTo delay or postpone a decision or action, especially in order to gain time or avoid making a firm commitment. In older and formal usage, it can also mean to act according to prevailing circumstances, typically by making cautious or adaptable concessions.
- To delay or postpone a decision or action, especially in order to gain time or avoid a firm commitment.
- To act according to prevailing circumstances, typically by avoiding decisive action or making cautious concessions.
"The committee temporized rather than risk committing the organization to a controversial decision."
"The government temporized on the new regulations while the negotiations continued."
"Rather than reject the proposal outright, the negotiator temporized and asked for more information."
Temporize is the diplomat's word for buying time: postpone the decision without necessarily refusing it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does temporize come from?
Temporize entered English in the early 17th century from Latin temporizare, meaning “to delay” or “to postpone,” with French temporiser also associated with its development. The Latin word was based on tempus, meaning “time,” the same root that underlies temporary, temporal, and extemporaneous. Its original sense was to delay or postpone action, and the additional sense of proceeding cautiously according to circumstances developed as well.
Related word forms
How temporize is actually used
Temporize is formal and literary rather than everyday. It often carries the connotation of postponing action for strategic or cautious reasons, sometimes with the implication that a decision is being avoided.
Easily confused with temporize
Temporize is a verb meaning to delay or avoid decisive action, whereas temporary is an adjective meaning lasting for only a short time.