DILL-uh-tor-ee
(adjective) Tending to delay or procrastinate; intended to cause delay.
The lawyer’s dilatory tactics frustrated the judge, who demanded immediate progress in the case.
Fun Fact
“Dilatory” shows up often in legal and political contexts, especially when one party tries to stall progress. In real estate deals, courtroom strategies, or congressional debates, a dilatory move can derail outcomes without ever saying “no.”
AB-ruh-gayt
(verb) To abolish, repeal, or put an end to something (especially a law, policy, or agreement).
The committee voted to abrogate the outdated regulation, clearing the way for more modern standards.
From Latin abrogare, meaning “to repeal” or “to take away by law.”
Fun Fact
The word abrogate often appears in legal, political, and diplomatic contexts because it refers to formal or authoritative cancellation—not just casual discontinuing. Interestingly, some treaties have been “abrogated by conduct,” meaning nations effectively ended them simply by acting differently rather than announcing a repeal. The term highlights how powerful the act of unmaking a rule can be—sometimes as impactful as creating one.
Today's Word Altruistic al-troo-IS-tik Definition (adjective) Showing unselfish concern for...
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