Langimage
English

delayed

|de/layed|

B1

/dɪˈleɪd/

(delay)

postpone

Base FormPluralPluralPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
delaydelaysdelayersdelaysdelaysdelayeddelayeddelaying
Etymology
Etymology Information

'delay' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'delaier,' where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'laier' meant 'to leave.'

Historical Evolution

'delaier' transformed into the Middle English word 'delaien,' and eventually became the modern English word 'delay.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to leave something behind,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'postpone or defer.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to make something happen at a later time than originally planned or expected.

The meeting was delayed by an hour.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

happening at a later time than expected or planned.

The flight was delayed due to bad weather.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35