Finding the Right Word for 'Intended to Cause Delay'

The question asks us to select a single word that means "intended to cause delay". This is a vocabulary question where we need to find the most appropriate synonym or term that matches the given expression.

Understanding the Expression: Intended to Cause Delay

The phrase "intended to cause delay" describes actions, tactics, or devices that are designed specifically to slow something down or postpone a decision or action. The purpose is to buy time, obstruct progress, or avoid dealing with something immediately.

Analyzing the Options to Describe 'Intended to Cause Delay'

Let's examine each of the provided options to see which one best fits the meaning of "intended to cause delay":

• Declaratory: This word relates to making a declaration or statement. A declaratory judgment, for instance, is a court judgment that declares the rights of parties but doesn't order any action. It does not mean intended to cause delay.
• Explanatory: This word means providing an explanation or serving to explain something. An explanatory note helps clarify details. It has no connection to causing delay.
• Dilatory: This word means slow to act or intended to cause delay. Dilatory tactics are methods used to postpone a decision or action. This meaning directly matches the expression "intended to cause delay".
• Exculpatory: This word means serving to clear someone from guilt or blame. Exculpatory evidence suggests someone is not guilty. It is unrelated to causing delay.

Based on the analysis, the word that means "intended to cause delay" is Dilatory.

Conclusion: The Word for Causing Delay

Comparing the meanings of the options with the expression "intended to cause delay", we find that 'Dilatory' is the precise word used to describe something meant to cause delay.

Revision Table: Vocabulary for Delay

Here's a quick review of the word and its meaning:

Additional Information: Related Vocabulary and Concepts

Understanding words related to time and action can be helpful. Here are a few related concepts:

• Procrastination: The act of delaying or postponing something.
• Stalling: Deliberately delaying or preventing an action or decision.
• Obstructive: Causing a deliberate delay or preventing progress.
• Expedite: To make an action or process happen sooner or be accomplished more quickly. (This is an antonym of causing delay).

The word 'dilatory' is often used in formal contexts, such as legal or parliamentary procedures, to describe actions taken specifically to slow things down.