dilatoire

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dilatory, delaying, evasive, stalling
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/di.la.twaʁ/
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Designed to postpone an action or decision.
Practice using dilatoire in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • La commission a reçu une explication dilatoire plutôt qu'une décision.
    The committee received an evasive explanation instead of a decision.
  • Le juge a rejeté la demande dilatoire.
    The judge rejected the delay-seeking application.
  • Cette exception dilatoire suspendra temporairement l'instance.
    This dilatory objection will temporarily suspend the proceedings.
  • Cette promesse dilatoire ne fixe aucune date.
    That stalling promise sets no date.
  • Le porte-parole a fait une déclaration dilatoire.
    The spokesperson made a stalling statement.

Similar words

fuyant
temporisateur
temporisateur
évasif
retardateur

Meanings

Delaying a proceeding

adjective
law
technical
Intended to delay or suspend a legal proceeding.

Examples

  • L'avocat a dénoncé une manœuvre dilatoire.
    The lawyer denounced a delaying tactic.
  • La partie adverse multiplie les recours dilatoires.
    The opposing party is multiplying stalling appeals.
  • Cette exception dilatoire suspendra temporairement l'instance.
    This dilatory objection will temporarily suspend the proceedings.
  • Le juge a rejeté la demande dilatoire.
    The judge rejected the delay-seeking application.
  • Le débat s'enlise dans des procédures dilatoires.
    The debate is bogged down in delaying procedures.

Similar words

temporisateur
retardateur

Evasive to gain time

adjective
public life
formal
Avoiding a clear answer or decision in order to gain time.

Examples

  • Sa réponse dilatoire évitait soigneusement la question.
    His evasive answer carefully avoided the question.
  • Le porte-parole a fait une déclaration dilatoire.
    The spokesperson made a stalling statement.
  • Cette promesse dilatoire ne fixe aucune date.
    That stalling promise sets no date.
  • La commission a reçu une explication dilatoire plutôt qu'une décision.
    The committee received an evasive explanation instead of a decision.
  • Ses propos dilatoires ont seulement gagné quelques semaines.
    His stalling remarks merely bought a few weeks.

Similar words

évasif
temporisateur
fuyant

Etymology

From Late Latin dilatorius, “delaying”, related to dilatus, “put off”.

FAQ

What does dilatoire mean?

Intended to delay something.

Can it describe a legal tactic?

Yes, one that slows proceedings.

Can a reply be dilatoire?

Yes, if it avoids commitment to gain time.

Is it always deliberate?

The word generally suggests a delaying purpose.

What is the plural?

Dilatoires.

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