Temporisings

Part of speech: noun, verb

Definitions

1. Delaying or procrastinating action or decision; hesitating and avoiding immediate commitment; stalling in order to gain more time or avoid confrontation
2. Engaging in acts of postponing or deferring judgment; showing reluctance to proceed promptly; employing tactics to extend response time
3. The process of putting off or evading prompt resolution; manifesting hesitation and delay; using time as a buffer to reconsider or resist pressure

Etymology: "Temporisings" is the plural of "temporising," so it names several instances of the act of delaying or stalling. The base form, "temporise," is the older word, and the plural follows the usual pattern for nouns and verbs of this kind. The root of "temporise" is the Latin "tempus," meaning "time," which is also the source of "temporal" and "temporary." Its underlying idea is bending to the circumstances of the moment: a person who temporises waits and adjusts to the situation rather than acting straight away.

Synonyms: delays, postponements, procrastinations

Antonyms: advancements, expedites