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
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.
Delay appears in
Delay in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
تأخير
جعل شيء ما يحدث لاحقًا عما هو مخطط له.
- Bengaliবাংলা
বিলম্ব
পরিকল্পনার চেয়ে কোনো কিছু পরে ঘটানো।
- GermanDeutsch
Verzögerung
Etwas später als geplant stattfinden lassen.
- SpanishEspañol
Retraso
Hacer que algo suceda más tarde de lo planeado.
- Persianفارسی
تأخیر کردن، به تعویق انداختن
یعنی یه کاری رو دیرتر از موعد انجام دادن.
- FrenchFrançais
Retard
Faire en sorte que quelque chose se produise plus tard que prévu.
- Hindiहिन्दी
देरी
किसी चीज़ को योजना से बाद में करवाना।
- ItalianItaliano
Ritardo
Fare in modo che qualcosa accada più tardi del previsto.
- PortuguesePortuguês
Atraso
Fazer algo acontecer mais tarde do que o planejado.
- RussianРусский
Задержка
Сделать так, чтобы что-то произошло позже, чем планировалось.
- Urduاردو
تاخیر
کسی چیز کو منصوبہ بندی سے زیادہ دیر سے کرنا۔
- Chinese中文
延迟
让事情发生的时间比计划的晚。
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.



