Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

temporize= To delay so as to gain time or to avoid making a decision.
Interchangeable with *procrastinate*?


Thanks

[asterix]

Speaking as a procrastinator, I can tell you they are not quite the same.
Procrastination is more a passive thing. You know you have to do it - but not today.
When you temporize, you deliberately use delaying tactics to avoid doing something.

The Oxford Dictionary says:
temporize avoid committing oneself so as to gain time; employ delaying tactics.

procrastinate defer action; be dilatory.