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cunctative

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˈkʌŋk.tə.tɪv//

KK: /ˈkʌŋk.tə.tɪv/

adjective
Definition

Tending to postpone or delay actions or decisions.


Example

His cunctative nature often led to missed opportunities.


Conversation
Sloth A
I noticed you've been a bit cunctative about making plans lately.
Sloth B
Yeah, I guess I'm just hesitant to commit to anything right now.
Sloth A
It’s understandable; sometimes it’s easier to wait things out.
Sloth B
Exactly, but I’ll try to be more decisive this week!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hesitant
procrastinative
dilatory
Antonyms
decisive
prompt
swift
Root Explanation

Cunctative is formed from "cunctari" (meaning to delay or hesitate) and the suffix "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word describes something that has the nature of causing delay or hesitation.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cunctari' meaning to delay, and remember that 'cunctative' refers to something that causes hesitation or delay.

Visually Confused Words
punctuative
cantative
uncreative
uncaptived
nunciative
mulctative
eructative
concaptive
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