delay
UK: dɪˈleɪ | US: dɪˈleɪ
n. a period of time by which something is late or postponed
vt. to make something happen at a later time than planned
vi. to take longer than expected
delay = de<away, down> + lay<leave, let>
- de (Latin prefix meaning "away" or "down")
- lay (from Old French laier, meaning "to leave" or "let")
Etymology Origin:
The word "delay" entered English via Old French delaier, which combined the Latin prefix de- (indicating reversal or removal) with laier (to leave or let). Originally, it conveyed the idea of "leaving something aside" or "holding back," which evolved into its modern sense of postponement or slowness. The morphemes reflect a logical progression from physical separation (de-) to temporal postponement (lay).
The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
She decided to delay her trip until next month.
There will be a short delay before the meeting starts.
Don’t delay submitting your application.
The project faced repeated delays because of funding issues.