dally
UK: ˈdæli | US: ˈdæli
vi. 1. To waste time; to act or move slowly.
vi. 2. To flirt or play amorously.
vt. 3. To trifle with something; to treat lightly.
dally = dal<delay> + ly<verb-forming suffix>
- dal (from Old French dailer, meaning "to delay" or "to chat idly")
- ly (a verb-forming suffix in Middle English, often indicating repetitive or prolonged action)
Etymology Origin:
"Dally" traces back to Old French dailer, which originally meant "to chat idly" or "to delay." The word evolved in Middle English to encompass both the sense of wasting time and playful flirtation, reflecting the lighthearted, unhurried nature of the actions it describes. The suffix -ly reinforces the prolonged or repetitive aspect of the behavior.
She would often dally in the garden, enjoying the morning sun.
He accused his coworker of dallying instead of finishing the report.
The couple dallied by the lake, lost in conversation.
Don’t dally with serious decisions; act promptly.
The children dallied on their way home, picking flowers.