VocabDictionary

delay

/dษชหˆleษช/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To make someone or something late or slow; to postpone an action to a later time.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œHeavy traffic will likely delay our arrival at the airport.โ€
  • โ€œThe company decided to delay the product launch until next spring.โ€
2.noun

A period of time by which something is late or postponed; the act of delaying.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThere was a significant delay in the train schedule due to the storm.โ€
  • โ€œWithout further delay, the ceremony began.โ€
Share & Learn With Friends

Share โ€œdelayโ€ with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œdelayโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'delayer', which stems from the Vulgar Latin 'dilatare' (to spread out, defer), a combination of 'dis-' (apart) and 'latus' (wide). It evolved from the sense of 'stretching out' time to the modern meaning of putting something off.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'DE-LAY': You are DE-ciding to LAY it aside for later.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œdelayโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œdelayโ€ in English?

In English, delay (verb) is defined as: โ€œTo make someone or something late or slow; to postpone an action to a later time.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œdelayโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œHeavy traffic will likely delay our arrival at the airport.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œdelayโ€?

Common synonyms include:postpone,defer,procrastinate,hold up

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œdelayโ€?

Derived from the Old French 'delayer', which stems from the Vulgar Latin 'dilatare' (to spread out, defer), a combination of 'dis-' (apart) and 'latus' (wide). It evolved from the sense of 'stretching out' time to the modern meaning of putting something off.