Delaying
/dɪˈleɪɪŋ/
Definitions
To cause something to happen or take place later than planned or expected; to postpone.
/dɪˈleɪɪŋ/
To postpone or put off to a later time.
The construction work is delaying the traffic.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're supposed to start a game at 2 pm, but you tell your friend to wait until 3 pm. You are delaying the game. It's like putting something off until later.
👶 For kids: Making something happen later than it's supposed to.
More Examples
She's delaying her decision until she gets more information.
I apologize for delaying the meeting.
How It's Used
"The train is delaying due to a signal problem."
"The project is delaying because of resource constraints."
"Flight delays are common during bad weather."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *delaie*, from Old French *delaier* ('to delay, hinder'), from *de-* ('away, off') + *laier* ('to leave, let').
The word 'delay' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to 'a deferment or postponement'.
Memory tip
Think of a *delayed* reaction: you're slowing something down.
Word Origin
"to delay, hinder"