Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Procrastinate"
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day
Introduction
In the July 7, 2025 episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the intricacies of the word "procrastinate." This episode not only defines the term but also explores its origins, psychological underpinnings, and its evolving usage in contemporary English.
Definition of "Procrastinate"
Peter begins by clearly outlining the definition of the word:
"Procrastinate is a verb. To procrastinate is to be slow or late about doing something that should be done, or about doing or attending to things."
— [00:30]
This straightforward explanation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the term.
Usage in Context
To illustrate the word's application, Peter references a sentence from Forbes by Mark Travers:
"Researchers found that individuals who tend to procrastinate often do so because they fear not meeting their high standards or worry too much about failing."
— [01:15]
This example not only demonstrates the word in a real-world context but also introduces the psychological aspects associated with procrastination.
Psychological Insights into Procrastination
Delving deeper, Peter discusses research findings that link procrastination with perfectionism:
"The study also showed that this fear of failure and the habit of overgeneralizing failures, like thinking one mistake means you're a failure, strongly connect perfectionism to procrastination."
— [02:10]
This connection highlights how internal fears and unrealistic standards can lead to delays in action, emphasizing that procrastination is often more complex than mere laziness.
Etymology and Origins
Peter traces the origins of "procrastinate" back to Latin roots, providing a linguistic perspective:
"It comes from the Latin prefix 'pro,' meaning forward, and 'crastinus,' meaning of tomorrow."
— [03:00]
He further elaborates:
"To procrastinate is to work or move slowly so as to fall behind. It implies blameworthy delay, especially through laziness or apathy."
— [03:25]
Understanding the etymology underscores the inherent implication of delaying actions, often unjustifiably.
Related Terms and Nuances
Peter contrasts "procrastinate" with other similar English verbs:
"English has other words with similar meanings, such as defer and postpone, but none places the blame so directly on the person responsible for choosing a later time to do something."
— [04:00]
This distinction highlights how "procrastinate" carries a stronger connotation of personal responsibility and judgment compared to its synonyms.
Modern Usage and Creative Variations
Exploring the adaptability of the term, Peter discusses how English speakers have created various playful derivatives:
"Procrastinate is also a malleable word. English speakers have wasted no time creating clever variations, most of them delightfully self-explanatory. Don't let coinages like procrastibake, procrastinetflix, and procrasta clean pass you by."
— [04:45]
While these variations may not yet be officially recognized in dictionaries, Peter acknowledges their growing presence and potential in everyday language.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, Peter encourages listeners to engage with the word and its derivatives:
"With your word of the day, I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit merriam-webster.com today for definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups."
— [05:30]
This invitation serves as a call to action for listeners to further explore and incorporate new vocabulary into their daily lives.
Key Takeaways
- Definition: Procrastinate means to delay or postpone actions, often unnecessarily.
- Psychological Aspect: Linked to perfectionism and fear of failure, making procrastination a complex behavior.
- Etymology: Derived from Latin, combining "pro" (forward) and "crastinus" (of tomorrow).
- Related Terms: While similar to "defer" and "postpone," procrastinate uniquely assigns personal responsibility for the delay.
- Modern Usage: The word continues to evolve, giving rise to creative derivatives that reflect contemporary behaviors and interests.
This episode offers a comprehensive look at "procrastinate," providing listeners with not only a clear understanding of its meaning and origins but also insights into the behavioral patterns that contribute to this common human tendency. Whether you're looking to expand your vocabulary or understand the nuances of procrastination, this episode serves as an informative resource.