B2noun1K

UK/["/dɪˈleɪ/"]/US/["/dɪˈleɪ/"]/

Meaning of Delay

In simple words: To make something happen later than planned.

Delay in a sentence

  • Due to the heavy traffic, there was a significant delay in our arrival time.
  • The project faced delays because of unexpected complications.
  • He decided to delay the meeting until next week to allow everyone to prepare.
  • The delay in the flight caused many travelers to miss their connections.
  • She expressed her frustration at the delay in receiving her package.

How to use Delay

Use 'delay' when referring to postponing events or actions. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler words like 'wait' might suffice.

Grammar pattern

delay + object

Memory hint

Think 'Dela-ate' — imagine a person eating while holding up a clock, making everyone wait.

Related words

Collocations with Delay

Synonyms for Delay

Opposites of Delay

Common mistakes with Delay

  • Confusing 'delay' with 'defer' — 'defer' is often more formal.
  • Using 'delayed' incorrectly in tense — check verb forms for accuracy.
  • Overusing 'delay' in casual speech when simpler options like 'wait' are available.

Compare Delay with Postpone, Hold up, Stall, Suspend

Delay appears in

Delay in other languages

More words like Delay

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Frequently asked questions about Delay

What does Delay mean?

To make something happen later than planned.

What is the definition of Delay?

a period of time when somebody/something has to wait because of a problem that makes something slow or late

How do you use Delay in a sentence?

Due to the heavy traffic, there was a significant delay in our arrival time.

Can you give another example of Delay?

The project faced delays because of unexpected complications.

What are synonyms for Delay?

Common alternatives include postpone, procrastinate, hold up, stall, suspend.

What is the opposite of Delay?

Opposite meanings include advance, hasten, expedite.

What words go with Delay?

It commonly pairs with considerable, enormous, lengthy, series, be subject to, be plagued by, encounter, occur, without delay, delay in, delay of, considerable, enormous, lengthy, series, be subject to, be plagued by, encounter, occur, without delay, delay in, delay of.

What are common mistakes when using Delay?

Confusing 'delay' with 'defer' — 'defer' is often more formal. Using 'delayed' incorrectly in tense — check verb forms for accuracy. Overusing 'delay' in casual speech when simpler options like 'wait' are available.

How do you pronounce Delay?

US: /["/dɪˈleɪ/"]/, UK: /["/dɪˈleɪ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Delay?

Use 'delay' when referring to postponing events or actions. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler words like 'wait' might suffice.

What CEFR level is Delay?

"Delay" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.