Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

dilatory

/ˈdɪləˌtɔɹi/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.83 in modern English

Syllables: dila-to-ry
IPA: /ˈdɪləˌtɔɹi/

12

Scrabble Score

8

Letters

4

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

adj

Intentionally delaying (someone or something), intended to cause delay, gain time, or adjourn decision.

adj

adj

Relating to dilation; dilative.

Example Sentences

"a dilatory strategy"
"Alva, as usual, brought his dilatory policy to bear upon his adversary with great effect."

Etymology

From Middle English dilatorie, from Old French dilatoire, from Latin dīlātōrius (“extending or putting off (time)”), from dīlātor, from differō. Not etymologically related to delay.

Origin

Source language: Middle English

Word Breakdown

Root: dilatorie, dilatoire, dīlātōrius

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈdɪləˌtɔɹi/
British English: /ˈdɪlət(ə)ɹi/

Derived Forms

bronchodilatory dilatorily dilatoriness indilatory predilatory undilatory vasodilatory venodilatory

Synonyms

laggard poky pokey

Rhymes With

depilatory

Questions

How do you pronounce dilatory?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈdɪləˌtɔɹi/.
What does dilatory mean?: Intentionally delaying (someone or something), intended to cause delay, gain time, or adjourn decision.
Where does dilatory come from?: It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce dilatory

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “dilatory”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈdɪləˌtɔɹi/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “dilatory”.
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