Delay: meaning, definitions and examples

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delay

 

[ dɪˈleɪ ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

time management

To postpone or put off doing something until a later time. It is often a result of procrastination or external factors.

Synonyms

defer, postpone, procrastinate

Examples of usage

  • I tend to delay my assignments until the last minute.
  • The flight was delayed due to bad weather conditions.
Context #2 | Noun

transportation

The period of time by which something is late or postponed.

Synonyms

holdup, lateness, postponement

Examples of usage

  • The train arrived with a slight delay.
  • There was a delay in the delivery of the package.

Translations

Translations of the word "delay" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atraso

🇮🇳 विलंब

🇩🇪 Verzögerung

🇮🇩 penundaan

🇺🇦 затримка

🇵🇱 opóźnienie

🇯🇵 遅延 (ちえん)

🇫🇷 retard

🇪🇸 retraso

🇹🇷 gecikme

🇰🇷 지연 (지연)

🇸🇦 تأخير

🇨🇿 zpoždění

🇸🇰 oneskorenie

🇨🇳 延迟 (yánchí)

🇸🇮 zamuda

🇮🇸 seinkun

🇰🇿 кешігу

🇬🇪 დაგვიანება

🇦🇿 gecikmə

🇲🇽 retraso

Etymology

The word 'delay' originated from the Old French word 'delai' which means 'lateness, delay'. It has been used in the English language since the 13th century. The concept of delaying or postponing something has been present in human behavior for centuries, as people often struggle with time management and prioritization.

See also: delayed, delayer.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,060, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.