procrastinate

UK: /prəʊˈkræstɪneɪt/ | US: /proʊˈkræstɪneɪt/

Definition
  1. vi. to delay or postpone action, especially habitually or intentionally

  2. vt. to put off (an action or task) to a later time

Structure
pro <forward>crastin <tomorrow>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

procrastinate = pro<forward> + crastin<tomorrow> + ate<verb suffix>

  • pro (Latin: "forward," "in favor of")
  • crastin (from Latin cras, "tomorrow")
  • ate (Latin-derived verb suffix indicating action)

Etymology Origin:
The word "procrastinate" originates from Latin procrastinare, combining pro- (forward) and crastinus (of tomorrow). It literally means "to push forward to tomorrow," reflecting the act of delaying tasks. The term entered English in the 16th century, retaining its core meaning of intentional postponement. The morpheme crastin is a rare but vivid link to the concept of "tomorrow," emphasizing the temporal avoidance inherent in procrastination.

Examples
  1. She tends to procrastinate when faced with difficult assignments.

  2. Don’t procrastinate on paying your bills, or you’ll incur late fees.

  3. He procrastinated for weeks before finally starting his thesis.

  4. Procrastinating often leads to unnecessary stress.

  5. The team procrastinated on the decision, missing the deadline.