Basic Details
Word: Procrastinate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To delay or put off doing something that needs to be done.
Synonyms: Delay, postpone, defer
Antonyms: Hurry, expedite, advance
Idioms and Phrases
- Put off until tomorrow: To delay doing something until the next day, often unnecessarily. Example: "He decided to put off until tomorrow what he could have easily completed today."
- Procrastination is the thief of time: Meaning that delaying tasks can waste valuable time. Example: "Remember, procrastination is the thief of time; start your homework now!"
Usage Examples
Example 1: She tends to procrastinate her studying until the last minute, which makes her very stressed.
Example 2: If I continue to procrastinate on my chores, they will never get done.
Example 3: To avoid procrastinating, he made a schedule to help him manage his time better.
Fun Fact
The word procrastinate comes from the Latin word "procrastinare", which means "to put off until tomorrow." It combines "pro" meaning "for, forward" and "crastinus" meaning "of tomorrow." Interestingly, ancient Romans would often emphasize the importance of acting without delay to avoid procrastination.
Famous Quote
"You may delay, but time will not." - Benjamin Franklin
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "procrastinate" mean?
a) To speak loudly
b) To delay doing something
c) To solve a problem
d) To write quickly
Answer: b) To delay doing something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "procrastinate"?
a) Advance
b) Postpone
c) Rush
d) Complete
Answer: b) Postpone
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "procrastinate"?
a) Delay
b) Expedite
c) Defer
d) Postpone
Answer: b) Expedite
4. Which sentence uses "procrastinate" correctly?
a) He decided to procrastinate and finish his project on time.
b) She likes to procrastinate by reading instead of working.
c) I want to procrastinate my lunch.
d) They procrastinated to win the race.
Answer: b) She likes to procrastinate by reading instead of working.
5. Which idiom suggests delaying a task?
a) A stitch in time saves nine
b) Procrastination is the thief of time
c) The early bird catches the worm
d) Time flies when you're having fun
Answer: b) Procrastination is the thief of time
