Dawdle
Verb
Definition: To waste time; be slow or idle.
Definition: To linger aimlessly; spend more time than necessary on something.
Synonyms: Loiter, Linger, Dally, Procrastinate
Antonyms: Hurry, Hasten, Expedite, Accelerate
- Stop dawdling and get to work!
- She dawdled over her homework, causing her to miss the deadline.
- Picture a person slowly walking with no sense of urgency, wasting time by observing their surroundings.
- Think of "drawl" which means to speak slowly and with prolonged vowels, similar to how one might dawdle.
Etymology:
The word "dawdle" originated in the early 19th century, from the noun "dawdler," which means a slow, idle person. The exact etymology is unknown, though it may be related to the Scottish word "daudle" meaning to walk slowly or to potter.
Historical Usage:The usage of "dawdle" remained consistent throughout history, referring to wasting time or being slow and idle.
Related Idioms:
"Dawdle one's time away"
Explanation:It means to spend time in an aimless or unproductive manner, often as a form of procrastination.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "dawdle" with "doodle."
Explanation:While "dawdle" refers to wasting time or being slow, "doodle" means to draw or scribble absentmindedly. They have different meanings and uses, despite the slight phonetic similarity.