What does temporized mean?
Temporized is the past tense of temporize, meaning to delay a decision or the taking of action, especially by making temporary arrangements or seeking more time. The word is formal and relatively uncommon, but it is useful when the postponement of a decision is deliberate rather than simply accidental. A person or institution that temporizes may be preserving its options, avoiding a premature commitment, or waiting for circumstances to improve. The expression often carries a mildly critical connotation because prolonged delay can create uncertainty or appear evasive. In reported or historical writing, however, it can neutrally describe a negotiated pause. It is not simply a synonym for every kind of lateness: its central implication is that someone is acting in a way that postpones resolution or commitment. The related spelling temporised is especially common in British English.
verbTemporized means delayed making a decision or taking action, especially by making temporary arrangements or seeking more time.
- To delay making a decision or taking action, especially by making a temporary arrangement or seeking more time.
"The negotiators temporized rather than commit themselves to an agreement that might have to be revised."
"The officials temporized while the committee considered its options."
"Rather than accept the proposal immediately, the administration temporized and requested further information."
Temporized: the art of postponing a decision while the clock keeps moving.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does temporized come from?
The word comes from Medieval Latin temporizare, meaning “to delay” or “to take time,” and is related to Latin temporarius, “of or pertaining to time,” from tempus, “time.” English borrowed the word in the early modern period, when temporize commonly meant to delay a decision or to avoid making a firm commitment. Its modern relatives, including temporary, temporality, temporaneous, and contemporary, all reflect the same Latin root concerning time.
Related word forms
How temporized is actually used
This is a relatively rare and formal word. It often suggests deliberate postponement intended to preserve flexibility or gain time, though it can also describe ordinary delay. British English also commonly uses the spelling temporise.