Want to say dally differently? Here are other words for dally and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of dally
The primary meaning of "dally" is to waste time or linger.
Etymology of dally
The word "dally" originates from the Old French word "dalier," which means "to talk" or "to converse," and is related to the Latin word "delectare," meaning "to delight in" or "to charm"
Historically, the word "dally" has been used since the 14th century to describe the act of lingering or staying behind, and has evolved to include connotations of playful or flirtatious interaction
Synonyms
linger
delay
procrastinate
loiter
tarry
hover
hesitate
pause
slow
slacken
dawdle
idle
laze
lounge
saunter
amble
meander
diverge
stray
deviate
detour
circumvent
evade
shun
neglect
ignore
postpone
defer
put off
stall
wait
hesitate
falter
waver
vacillate
oscillate
fluctuate
hem
haw
hang back
hang fire
mark time
kill time
while away
fritter away
waste time
spend time
pass time
use up time
consume time
expend time
take up time
occupy time
Definitions
- To waste time, especially by being slow or reluctant to do something
- * To flirt or playfully interact with someone, often in a romantic or casual way
Usage Examples
- She likes to dally in the park on sunny afternoons, watching the world go by
- * He dallied with the idea of starting his own business, but never took the leap
- * The couple dallied in the garden, enjoying each other's company and the beautiful scenery