Definition

A person who delays making a decision or takes time to avoid a confrontation or to gain time.

Example

The temporizer avoided giving a direct answer during the meeting.

Conversation

I heard you met someone who is quite the temporizer at the meeting yesterday.

Yeah, it was interesting how they kept avoiding direct questions.

It's funny how some people just can't make a decision right away.

Right? A good temporizer can really change the pace of a conversation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Temporizer → It is formed from "tempus" (meaning time) and the suffix "-izer" (meaning one who makes or does). A temporizer is someone who makes decisions based on time or delays actions, often to avoid making a commitment.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is focused on 'time' ('tempus') and is 'making' decisions or delaying actions — that's what a temporizer does.

Visually Confused Words