dilatory

English

Etymology

From Old French dilatoire [1], from Latin dilatorius (“extending or putting off (time)”), from dilator, from differo.

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈdɪlət(ə)ɹi/
    • (rarely) IPA(key): /daɪˈleɪt(ə)ɹi/

Adjective

dilatory (not comparable)

  1. Intentionally delaying (someone or something), intended to cause delay, gain time, or defer decision.
    a dilatory strategy
    • Motley
      Alva, as usual, brought his dilatory policy to bear upon his adversary.
  2. Slow or tardy.

Derived terms

Translations

References
  1. “dilatory” in Douglas Harper, Online Etymology Dictionary, 2001–2019.

Anagrams
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