In the following question, choose the word from the options which is similar in meaning (synonym) to the given word Procrastinate.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of verbs that describe habits and behaviour, particularly the tendency to put things off. The word procrastinate appears often in discussions about time management, productivity and study habits. To answer correctly, you must recall which option describes postponing actions rather than changing direction, cheating, or lowering quality.

Given Data / Assumptions:
Target word: Procrastinate.
Options: Divert, Deceive, Debase, Delay.
We are looking for a synonym, a word with the same or very similar meaning.
Context: A common sentence might be Students often procrastinate before exams, which refers to delaying work.

Concept / Approach:
Procrastinate means to delay or postpone doing something, especially something that should be done now. It refers to putting off tasks intentionally, often out of laziness, fear, or lack of motivation. Among the options, only delay directly captures this idea of postponement. The other options refer to changing directions (divert), cheating or lying (deceive), or lowering the quality or value of something (debase).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the core meaning of procrastinate: to keep putting off doing something important. Step 2: Option Delay means to make something happen later than planned or to postpone it. This matches the concept of procrastination closely. Step 3: Option Divert means to change direction or to entertain; it can mean to divert attention, but that is not the same as postponing a task itself. Step 4: Option Deceive means to mislead or trick someone by hiding the truth, which is related to honesty, not time management. Step 5: Option Debase means to reduce the quality, value or dignity of someone or something, again unrelated to postponing actions. Step 6: Therefore, Delay is the best synonym for Procrastinate in this list.

Verification / Alternative check:
Try using each option in a typical sentence: He tends to procrastinate on his homework can be rephrased as He tends to delay his homework, which means the same. But He tends to divert his homework, deceive his homework, or debase his homework do not make sense. This direct substitution in context confirms that delay is the correct synonym.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Divert implies changing direction or drawing someone's attention away, which is only indirectly related and not the meaning of procrastinate.
Deceive refers to lying or cheating, which can happen in any time frame and has nothing to do with postponing a task.
Debase relates to lowering quality, status, or moral standards; again, it has no inherent time-related meaning and therefore cannot be a synonym of procrastinate.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students remember that procrastination often involves distractions and may confuse divert with delay. However, the exam expects you to match the central meaning, which is postponement, not distraction. To avoid confusion, always ask: what is the primary dictionary definition of the target word, and which option matches that definition most closely?

Final Answer:
The word similar in meaning to Procrastinate is Delay.