English · Common Verbs
delay
/dɪˈleɪ/
[/dɪˈleɪ/]
make late
Intermediateverb
Definition
To make something happen later than planned, or to wait before acting.
Example
Heavy snow may delay all the morning trains, so please leave home much earlier.
Heavy snow may delay all the morning trains, so please leave home much earlier.
Etymology
From Old French 'delaier', from 'de-' and 'laier' (to leave, let).
How & Where It’s Used
Used for late transport, postponed events, and hesitation.