delay
Translation
to postpone, to hold up, to put off
Examples
We must not delay our decision any longer.
We must not delay our decision any longer.
The flight was delayed by bad weather.
The flight was delayed by bad weather.
He delayed telling her the news.
He delayed telling her the news.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to make (sth.) happen at a later time They decided to delay the meeting.
((sb./sth.)) to make (sb./sth.) late The accident delayed me for an hour.
((-ing)) to wait before doing (sth.) He delayed telling her the news.
Similar Words
Synonyms: postpone, put off, defer; Antonyms: advance, hasten, expedite
Etymology
From Old French 'delaier', from 'de-' (away) + 'laier' (to leave). Literally 'to leave aside'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'de-lay' as being 'laid' aside for a later time.