Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
Dilatory
Causing delay; tending to delay or hinder action; not prompt.
adjectiveCheck this word before you leave
Pick the meaning. Keys A–D work too.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
💡
Imagine This
The doctor dilates your eye in order to examine inside the eye. After your eye is dilated, it delays the eye from getting back to normal.
🔊
Sounds Like
DIL-uh-tor-ee
👀
Looks Like
dilate + ory (visually resembles the word 'dilate' with the suffix -ory)
📝
Remember This
The root is linked to delay; related forms include dilator and dilatorily (adverb). The idea is something that slows things down, either intentionally or habitually.
📚
Other Forms
dilatorilyadverb
dilatorinessnoun
dilatornoun
🔗
Connect With
delay, procrastinate, stall, slow, tardy
📌
Note
Dilatory describes behavior or actions that are slow to proceed or intentionally delaying, not simply being late. Do not confuse with similar-sounding words like 'dilate' (to widen).
🧠
Study Deeper
Examples
- Her dilatory response to the urgent request angered the team.
- The committee blamed the dilatory procedures for the project's delay.
Synonyms
tardyslowlaggardprocrastinatingdelaying
Antonyms
promptpunctualexpeditious
Etymology
From Latin dilatorius 'tending to delay', from dilatus 'carried forth, postponed', from the verb dilare 'to delay' or 'to postpone'.
Mnemonic
DILATORY = DILLY-DALLY + ORY. Imagine someone dilly-dallying, causing delay, and note the -ory suffix to remember the meaning.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Vicarious
adjectiveExperiencing or feeling something through another person’s actions or experiences rather than directly oneself; existing by means of someone else’s experiences or perspective.
Largess
nounGenerous giving; the act of giving liberally, especially of money.
Counterproductive
adjectiveHaving the opposite of the desired effect; actions or policies that hinder rather than help progress.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.