delay

A period of waiting before something happens, often because it starts later than expected.

• There was a short delay.
• Heavy traffic caused delays on the main road.
• How long is the delay before departure?

How to use it: delay in something (There was a delay in the delivery.); delay of an amount of time (We faced a delay of two hours.)

Similar words: wait, hold-up

Common phrases: long delay, flight delay, without delay, short delay

To arrange for something to happen later, or make it happen later than expected.

• We delayed the meeting.
• She is delaying her decision until next week.
• Why did you delay telling me?

How to use it: delay doing something (We delayed buying a house.); delay something until something (They delayed the launch until Monday.)

Similar words: postpone, put off, defer

Opposites: advance

Common phrases: delay a meeting, delay payment, delay the start

To slow or stop someone or something for a while, making them late.

• The snow delayed us.
• Our flight was delayed by strong winds.
• Road repairs are delaying buses again today.

How to use it: be delayed by something (We were delayed by a road accident.)

Similar words: hold up, slow down, hinder

Opposites: hasten

Common phrases: delay a flight, delay someone, delay the delivery

To wait before taking action.

• Don't delay!
• We cannot delay any longer.
• She delayed too long and missed her chance.

Similar words: wait, hesitate, linger

Opposites: hurry

Common phrases: delay any longer, delay too long