dilatory | SAT Word of the Day
A secret many adults won't tell you--this is one of the top lifelong struggles.
⚡️ Quick Quiz: Do you already know what DILATORY means?
dilatory most nearly means
(A) careful and methodical
(B) tending to delay
(C) diligent and hardworking
(D) verbose and rambling
(E) hostile and antagonistic
And one more:
Which behavior could best be described as dilatory?
(A) Completing a project two days before the deadline
(B) Responding to emails immediately upon receipt
(C) Postponing work on a report until the night before it's due
(D) Solving complex problems with innovative solutions
(E) Taking comprehensive notes during a lecture
Scroll down for the answer/s.
ℹ️ Part of speech of dilatory
dilatory is an ADJECTIVE.
🗣️ Pronunciation of dilatory
dilatory is pronounced /ˈdɪl.ə.tɔr.i/ or DIL-uh-tor-ee.
Tending to delay or cause delay; designed to create postponement. Example: dilatory tactics.
Characterized by procrastination; slow to act or proceed. Example: dilatory in his work ethic.
📰 Examples
Here are some examples of dilatory in usage:
The senator's dilatory tactics prevented the bill from coming to a vote before the legislative session ended.
On a dilatory nature: "Procrastination is the thief of time." - Edward Young (1683–1765)
The US legal system's dilatory procedures often extend cases for years, frustrating all involved.
✅ Quiz answer/s
Answers:
B, tending to delay. Explanations: A is incorrect as careful and methodical work is deliberate, but not necessarily delayed. C is the opposite of dilatory. D describes speech patterns rather than procrastination issues. E describes hostility, which is unrelated to being on time.
C, Postponing.... Explanation: This is clearly dilatory behavior, as it involves deliberately delaying work until the last minute. Answer choice A describes punctuality, not delay. Option B relates to promptness, the opposite of dilatory behavior. Option D focuses on problem-solving ability, not timing. Option E describes attentiveness, which is not really related to procrastination.
Terrific word that everyone should know, considering how many opportunities abound to use it.