BE DILATORY Meaning and
Definition
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To be dilatory means to exhibit a tendency or habit to delay or procrastinate in the completion of tasks or obligations. It refers to deliberately or habitually causing delays or postponements, often resulting in a slowing down or interrupting the progress of a particular action or process.
A person who is dilatory may intentionally postpone actions or decisions, resulting in a prolonged period of inactivity or sluggishness. This behavior is often accompanied by a lack of urgency or a tendency to put off tasks until the last minute. Individuals who are dilatory may find it difficult to meet deadlines, as they often engage in unnecessary delays or distractions instead of focusing on the immediate task at hand.
In various contexts, being dilatory may have negative consequences, such as negatively impacting personal or professional relationships, leading to poor productivity or performance, or even incurring financial penalties. It can reflect a lack of discipline or organizational skills, a tendency towards indecisiveness, or an aversion to engaging in necessary actions. However, it is important to note that being dilatory does not necessarily indicate laziness or a lack of ability, but rather a habitual tendency to delay or prolong tasks or responsibilities beyond reasonable or expected bounds.
In summary, to be dilatory means to consistently exhibit a practice of delaying or postponing actions or decisions, often leading to a hindered progress or reduced effectiveness in achieving goals.
Etymology of BE DILATORY
The word dilatory originated from the Latin word dilatorius, which means delaying or procrastinating. It is derived from the verb dilatus, which means to defer or to delay. The term was then adapted into Old French as dilater, and eventually entered the English language in the 15th century as dilatory.
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