dally
dally
Pronunciation
/ˈdæli/
dal: /dæl/
/d/ as in "dog"
/æ/ as in "cat"
/l/ as in "lip"
ly: /li/
/l/ as in "lip"
/i/ as in "see" (though sometimes described as a "happy" vowel, a sound between "ee" and "ih")
Word Form Variations
dally (verb): This is the base form, used as an infinitive (e.g., "to dally") and in present tense forms (e.g., "I dally," "they dally").
dallies (verb): Third-person singular present tense (e.g., "he/she/it dallies").
dallied (verb): Past tense and past participle (e.g., "I dallied," "I have dallied").
dallying (verb): Present participle and gerund (e.g., "I am dallying," "Dallying is a waste of time").
dally (noun - less common): While less frequent, "dally" can sometimes be used as a noun, often implying a period of delay or frivolous activity. It's not usually used in a plural form. For example, you might say "after a bit of a dally" or "there was too much dally in getting the project started." However, "dally" as a noun is somewhat informal and not widely accepted. It's more common to use a phrase like "a delay" or "frivolous activity" in more formal contexts.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb:
Definition 1 (Intransitive): To linger or procrastinate; to waste time frivolously. Often implies a lack of seriousness or purpose.
Synonyms: dawdle, loiter, procrastinate, tarry, trifle, fritter, idle
Antonyms: hasten, hurry, rush, expedite, proceed, advance, work diligently
Definition 2 (Intransitive): To act playfully or amorously, often in a flirtatious or lighthearted manner. Can suggest a casual romantic involvement.
Synonyms: flirt, philander, play around, toy with, court (informally)
Antonyms: be serious, be committed, be faithful, be loyal, be reserved
Noun (Less Common):
Definition: A period of frivolous delay or playful dalliance; a brief indulgence in lighthearted or flirtatious behavior.
Synonyms: delay, procrastination, trifling, flirtation, dalliance, frolicking
Antonyms: diligence, punctuality, seriousness, commitment, dedication, work
Examples of Use
Literature:
"He did not dally long, but sped to the stable." (Sir Walter Scott, Ivanhoe) - This illustrates the verb form, meaning to linger or delay.
"Do not dally in your work, for time is fleeting." (Common proverb, often found in self-help or motivational literature) - Again, the verb form, emphasizing the importance of not wasting time.
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"The negotiations have been fraught with delays, with both sides accusing the other of dallying." (Hypothetical news report) - Here, "dallying" refers to slow progress and lack of commitment.
"Investors are dallying on the sidelines, waiting for more clarity on the economic outlook." (Hypothetical financial article) - This demonstrates the verb form in a business context, indicating hesitation.
Entertainment:
"Stop dallying around and get to work!" (Common line in movies or TV shows, often spoken by a frustrated boss or authority figure) - The verb form used for emphasis and impatience.
"They dallied by the riverbank, enjoying the warm summer breeze." (Hypothetical scene from a romance novel or film) - This example shows the verb used in a more romantic and leisurely context.
General Public Discourse:
"I can't dally any longer; I have a train to catch." (Common everyday conversation) - The verb form used in a practical context, emphasizing the need to hurry.
"After a bit of a dally, we finally got the project started." (Informal conversation) - This shows the less common noun usage, implying a period of delay.
10 Famous Quotes Using Dally
“Do not dally with your purpose; time is a stern teacher.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said opportunities rarely dally—they arrive, then vanish.” (Unknown)
“A poet wrote that lovers may dally, but destiny does not.” (Unknown)
“History proves revolutions fail when leaders dally at crucial moments.” (Unknown)
“Success slips away from those who dally in indecision.” (Unknown)
“Let not fear cause you to dally where courage is required.” (Unknown)
“Greatness does not dally with hesitation.” (Unknown)
“A leader cannot dally when their people are in need.” (Unknown)
“Hope grows stronger when we act, not when we dally in doubt.” (Unknown)
“Wisdom warns us not to dally with excuses—they multiply quickly.” (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "dally" has a bit of a murky past, etymologically speaking. We don't have a completely clear picture of its origins, but here's what we do know:
It's believed to come from the Old English word "dælian," which meant "to divide, distribute, or deal." Think of it like dealing cards or dividing land. However, how we get from "dividing" to "lingering" or "flirting" isn't perfectly explained.
One theory is that "dælian" might have also had a secondary, less documented meaning related to delaying or wasting time – perhaps because dividing up tasks or land could sometimes be a slow process. This connection, though speculative, would explain how the word's meaning shifted over time.
Another possibility is influence from a Scandinavian word. There's an Old Norse word "dvala" which meant "to tarry or delay." It's possible that this word influenced the development of "dally" in English.
The first known recorded uses of "dally" in English, dating back to around the 14th century, already show the meanings of "to delay, linger, or trifle." So, even in its earliest appearances, the word had already taken on the sense of wasting time or acting frivolously. The "flirting" or amorous connotation developed a bit later, though it still falls within the broader sense of playful or unserious behavior.
In short, while the exact path from "dividing" to "dallying" is a bit fuzzy, the most likely explanation is that the Old English "dælian" had a secondary meaning related to delay or that it was influenced by a similar Scandinavian word. By the time we see the word in written records, it already has the meanings we recognize today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Dally
Original Phrases (playing on the meaning of "dally"):
Dally with danger: To flirt with or take unnecessary risks.
Dally with a decision: To hesitate or procrastinate before making a choice.
Dally in one's duties: To neglect or be slow in performing one's responsibilities.
Dally with the affections of another: To play with someone's feelings.
A dallying spirit: A tendency to procrastinate or be unserious.
Idioms with Similar Meanings (using synonyms):
To while away the hours: To spend time idly or pleasantly. (Similar to the "lingering" aspect of dallying)
To kill time: To do something to occupy oneself while waiting. (Similar to wasting time)
To drag one's feet: To be deliberately slow or reluctant. (Similar to procrastinating)
To dilly-dally: To waste time; to be indecisive or to move slowly. (This is probably the closest common phrase, and it actually includes a form of "dally," but it is a separate word with a more playful and less serious connotation than "dally.")
To play around: To behave in a silly or unserious way; to flirt. (Relates to the "flirtatious" aspect of dallying)
To string someone along: To lead someone on with false hopes. (Can relate to dallying with someone's affections)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of dally from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
