Delay

Definition

Delay is a noun and verb. As a noun, it refers to a period of time by which something is postponed or deferred. As a verb, it means to make something happen later than planned, to slow down, or to defer an action.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈleɪ/
• Respelling: dih-LAY

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈleɪ/
• Respelling: dih-LAY

Etymology

The word "delay" originates from the Old French "delaier," meaning "to put off, postpone, or defer." This came from the Latin "dilatare," meaning "to defer" or "extend." In Middle English, it adopted the sense of a postponement in time.

Derivatives

• Delayed (adjective)
• Delaying (noun/verb)
• Undelayed (adjective)
• Delayer (noun)
• Delays (noun/verb - plural/third-person singular)

Synonyms

• Postponement
• Deferral
• Pause

Antonyms

• Expedition
• Acceleration
• Advance

Usage

The term "delay" is commonly used in contexts where an event or action does not occur at the intended time, such as "The flight was subject to a two-hour delay." As a verb, it implies postponement, as in "They delayed the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances."

Related Terms

• Postpone: To put off an event or action to a later time.
• Defer: To delay or postpone a decision, action, or event.
• Adjourn: To break off a meeting or session with the intention of resuming later.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A period of time by which something is postponed: Refers to an interruption in the expected schedule of an event or process.
  • Example: "The train arrived after a long delay."
• A temporary interruption or slowdown: Used to describe a pause or slower progress in an action.
  • Example: "The traffic caused significant delays during rush hour."

Verb

• To make something happen later than planned: Refers to an intentional action to postpone or defer an event or decision.
  • Example: "The organizers delayed the start of the concert due to weather."
• To slow down or cause an interruption: Indicates an action that results in the temporary suspension or slower progress of something.
  • Example: "Mechanical issues delayed the flight."