Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day: “Temporize”

Episode Date: December 22, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Episode Overview

In this episode, Peter Sokolowski introduces and explores the verb "temporize," offering listeners a rich linguistic and practical perspective on its meaning, usage, origins, and connotations. The episode uses relatable examples and etymological insights to deepen understanding and inspire more precise communication.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Usage

• Temporize is defined as "to avoid making a decision or giving a definite answer in order to have more time" (00:07).
• The word typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting avoidance or evasion rather than prudent delay (00:43).

Example in Context

• The host uses a humorous, vivid scenario to illustrate temporizing:
  • "The question is, did you eat the last piece of pie? And the politician who ate the last piece of pie doesn't want to say yes because they might get in trouble, doesn't want to say no because that's an outright lie. So they waver, they equivocate, they temporize, they put things in context, and they talk like a politician." (00:15)
• This highlights how temporizing often occurs in politics, where direct answers might carry risks.

Word Origins and Related Terms

• Etymology:
  • “Temporize” comes from the Middle French temporiser, likely via Medieval Latin temporizare (“to delay”), and ultimately the Latin noun tempus (“time”) (00:34).
• Words sharing this root include:
  • tempo
  • contemporary
  • temporal (00:39)

Implications of Temporizing

• Temporizing typically isn’t admirable because it’s often about dodging responsibility or delaying action, especially when a decision is needed (00:44).
• Politicians or leaders might temporize to avoid taking definitive—and possibly unpopular—positions, hoping the problem will resolve itself without their intervention (00:54).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the meaning of temporize:

  "To temporize is to avoid making a decision or giving a definite answer in order to have more time."
  — Peter Sokolowski (00:07)

• Illustrating temporizing in politics:

  "They waver, they equivocate, they temporize, they put things in context, and they talk like a politician."
  — Peter Sokolowski (00:23)

• On the negative undertone:

  "You probably won't win admiration for doing so, as the word typically carries a negative connotation."
  — Peter Sokolowski (00:43)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 — Episode and word introduction
• 00:07 — Definition and spelling of “temporize”
• 00:15 — Example scenario from The Atlantic
• 00:34 — Etymology and related words
• 00:43 — Discussion of connotation
• 00:54 — Application in politics and leadership contexts

Summary of Takeaways

• "Temporize" describes the act of stalling or skirting direct decisions, especially to gain time.
• Its roots are directly tied to notions of "time," sharing lineage with familiar words.
• While sometimes useful, temporizing is rarely celebrated, particularly when leadership and decisive action are needed.
• Listeners are encouraged to visit merriamwebster.com for more word explorations.