Delayed
/dɪˈleɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo postpone; to put off until a later time; to cause something to be late or slow.
/dɪˈleɪ/
To make someone or something late or slow.
The flight was delayed for several hours due to bad weather.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're supposed to meet your friend at 3 pm, but you're stuck in traffic. You're going to be late, right? To delay means to make something or someone arrive later than planned.
👶 For kids: When you delay something, it means you're making it come later than it was supposed to.
More Examples
She decided to delay her decision until she had more information.
The construction project was delayed because of a lack of materials.
How It's Used
"The train was delayed due to a signal failure."
"We delayed the project launch to incorporate the latest feedback."
Happening or starting at a time later than expected or planned.
/dɪˈleɪd/
Happening or done later than planned or expected.
The delayed flight caused many passengers to miss their connections.
💡 Simply: If you're waiting for a pizza and it's not there yet, even though it's supposed to be, the pizza is delayed. It means something is taking longer than it should.
👶 For kids: Something delayed means it's not happening when it should be happening.
More Examples
The delayed payment led to a late fee.
She experienced delayed grief after the loss of her pet.
How It's Used
"The delayed arrival of the package caused inconvenience."
"The doctor reported delayed effects from the medication."
Idioms & expressions
Delayed gratification
The ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later one that is greater.
"Children learn the concept of delayed gratification when they save their allowance to buy a larger toy later."
From Old French *delayier* (to put off, postpone), from *de-* (expressing removal) + *laiier* (to leave, allow), from Latin *laxare* (to loosen, slacken).
The word 'delay' and its forms have been used in English since the 14th century, evolving from its French roots to encompass various meanings of postponement and slowness.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'late.' When something is delayed, it becomes late.