Search for crossword answers and clues
Slow to act
Answer for the clue "Slow to act ", 8 letters:
dilatory
Alternative clues for the word dilatory
Word definitions for dilatory in dictionaries
WordNet
Word definitions in WordNet
adj. inclined to waste time and lag behind [syn: laggard ] wasting time [syn: laggard , poky , pokey ] using cautious slow strategy to wear down opposition; avoiding direct confrontation; "a fabian policy" [syn: fabian ]
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
late 15c., from Late Latin dilatorius , from dilator "procrastinator," from dilatus , serving as past participle of differe "delay" (see defer ).
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
Dilatory \Dil"a*to*ry\, a. [L. dilatorius, fr. dilator a delayer, fr. dilatus, used as p. p. of differe to defer, delay: cf. F. dilatoire. See Dilate , Differ , Defer .] Inclined to defer or put off what ought to be done at once; given the procrastination; ...
Wiktionary
Word definitions in Wiktionary
a. 1 Intentionally delaying (someone or something), intended to cause delay, gain time, or defer decision. 2 slow or tardy.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Word definitions in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
adjective EXAMPLES FROM OTHER ENTRIES ▪ Their unreasonable demands had a dilatory effect on the peace process. EXAMPLES FROM CORPUS ▪ Then, during late March and April, they made rather half-hearted and dilatory attempts to get agreement on this basis. ...
Usage examples of dilatory.
Thus, filibuster includes the introduction of dilatory motions, intentional absence from the assembly to prevent a quorum, or lengthy speechmaking.
Left to herself, Jynx would doubtless have drifted into a dilatory spinsterhood, and Sir Malcolm had a strong wish to view at least one grandchild before he expired of old age.
Boers, is to remain the only language used in the Volksraad, and in dilatory phraseology paves the way for the ultimatum of October 9th.
The larger man, who was apparently the dilatory trainer Bob Smith, said his hellos and goodbyes to the passengers, and stood watching afterwards while I started the engine and taxied back to the other end of the strip to turn into wind for take-of[ The flight north was uneventful: I went up the easy way under the Amber One airway, navigating on the radio beacons at Daventry, Lichfield and Oldham.