How Do You Spell DILLYDALLY?

Pronunciation: [dˈɪlɪdə͡li] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "dillydally" may seem confusing at first, but it can be easily explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "dil," is pronounced like "dɪl" with a short "i" sound. The second syllable, "ly," is pronounced like "li" with a long "i" sound. Finally, the last syllable, "dally," is pronounced like "dæli" with a short "a" sound. So, when put together, "dillydally" is pronounced like "dɪli-li-dæli." Don't dillydally any longer and start using IPA to improve your pronunciation!

DILLYDALLY Meaning and Definition

  1. Dillydally is a verb that refers to a somewhat aimless or purposefully slow manner of engaging in an activity, often resulting in wasting time or delaying progress. It is typically used to describe a person who is indecisive, hesitant, or lacking a sense of urgency. When someone dillydallies, they exhibit a tendency to procrastinate, engage in unnecessary activities, or become easily distracted from the task at hand.

    The term "dillydally" can also carry a connotation of frivolity or immaturity, suggesting that the person involved may have a tendency to prioritize trivial matters over more important ones. It implies a sense of neglecting responsibilities or failing to fulfill obligations due to a lack of focus or commitment.

    Furthermore, "dillydally" may be used in a figurative sense, similar to "to drag one's feet," to express a delay or hesitation in making decisions or taking action. This could be applied to various contexts, such as in personal relationships, work situations, or even in achieving personal goals.

    Overall, the term "dillydally" encompasses a sense of wasting time through purposeful delay, indecisiveness, or engaging in trivial pursuits, often resulting in a lack of progress or accomplishment.

Common Misspellings for DILLYDALLY

Etymology of DILLYDALLY

The word "dillydally" is believed to have originated in the early to mid-18th century. It is a combination of two reduplicative elements that were commonly used in English at the time. "Dilly" is thought to be derived from the word "delight" or "delicate", while "dally" comes from the word "dol" meaning "fool". The repetition of these two elements in "dillydally" is likely meant to intensify the language and convey the idea of wasting time or idling in a foolish manner.

Idioms with the word DILLYDALLY

  • dillydally (around) with sm or sth The idiom "dillydally (around) with someone or something" means to waste time or procrastinate by being indecisive, hesitant, or overly cautious in dealing with someone or something. It suggests a lack of action or progress due to a person's dawdling or delaying behavior.

Similar spelling words for DILLYDALLY

Conjugate verb Dillydally

CONDITIONAL

I would dillydally
we would dillydally
you would dillydally
he/she/it would dillydally
they would dillydally

FUTURE

I will dillydally
we will dillydally
you will dillydally
he/she/it will dillydally
they will dillydally

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have dillydallied
we will have dillydallied
you will have dillydallied
he/she/it will have dillydallied
they will have dillydallied

PAST

I dillydallied
we dillydallied
you dillydallied
he/she/it dillydallied
they dillydallied

PAST PERFECT

I had dillydallied
we had dillydallied
you had dillydallied
he/she/it had dillydallied
they had dillydallied

PRESENT

I dillydally
we dillydally
you dillydally
he/she/it dillydallies
they dillydally

PRESENT PERFECT

I have dillydallied
we have dillydallied
you have dillydallied
he/she/it has dillydallied
they have dillydallied
I am dillydallying
we are dillydallying
you are dillydallying
he/she/it is dillydallying
they are dillydallying
I was dillydallying
we were dillydallying
you were dillydallying
he/she/it was dillydallying
they were dillydallying
I will be dillydallying
we will be dillydallying
you will be dillydallying
he/she/it will be dillydallying
they will be dillydallying
I have been dillydallying
we have been dillydallying
you have been dillydallying
he/she/it has been dillydallying
they have been dillydallying
I had been dillydallying
we had been dillydallying
you had been dillydallying
he/she/it had been dillydallying
they had been dillydallying
I will have been dillydallying
we will have been dillydallying
you will have been dillydallying
he/she/it will have been dillydallying
they will have been dillydallying
I would have dillydallied
we would have dillydallied
you would have dillydallied
he/she/it would have dillydallied
they would have dillydallied
I would be dillydallying
we would be dillydallying
you would be dillydallying
he/she/it would be dillydallying
they would be dillydallying
I would have been dillydallying
we would have been dillydallying
you would have been dillydallying
he/she/it would have been dillydallying
they would have been dillydallying

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