tarrying (C1)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈtæriɪŋ/

Definition

Staying in a place longer than necessary, or delaying or being slow to act.

Examples

• He was tarrying on his way home, stopping to chat with everyone he met.

• Don't tarry too long, or you'll miss the last train.

• The judge grew impatient with the lawyer's tarrying during the cross-examination.

How to Use tarrying

tarry in (prepositional phrase)

To stay in a place longer than planned. — "They decided to tarry in Rome for a week."

tarry on (prepositional phrase)

To delay or be slow while moving or traveling. — "He was tarrying on his way to the meeting, stopping to buy coffee."

tarry too long (collocation)

To delay excessively. — "Don't tarry too long, or the shop will close."

Synonyms of tarrying

Words with a similar meaning to tarrying:

• lingering
• delaying
• dawdling
• procrastinating

Antonyms of tarrying

Words with the opposite meaning to tarrying:

• hurrying
• rushing
• hastening

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