delayed

/dɪˈleɪd/
adjectiveverbIntermediate made or caused to be late
general

made or caused to be late

The meeting was delayed by an hour.

The meeting started one hour later than planned.

Her response was delayed because she was busy.

She took longer to reply because she had a lot to do.

💡

Often used in contexts involving schedules, events, or communications.

general

to postpone or defer something

The decision was delayed until next week.

They postponed making a decision until the following week.

He delayed paying the bill until the last minute.

He waited until the very end to pay the bill.

💡

Used when something is intentionally or unavoidably postponed.

Collocations

delayed gratificationthe ability to wait for rewardsdelayed reactiona response that happens after a time lagdelayed flighta flight that arrives or departs later than scheduled

Related Phrases

delayed gratificationphrase
the ability to wait for rewards
delayed reactionphrase
a response that happens after a time lag

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Delayed' is often used in contexts involving schedules, events, or communications. It can describe something that is intentionally or unavoidably postponed.

Gold Rule

Adjective vs. Verb

'Delayed' can function as both an adjective (e.g., 'delayed flight') and a verb (e.g., 'The meeting was delayed').

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'delayen', from Old French 'delayer', from Latin 'dilatare' (to delay), from 'di-' (apart) + 'latare' (to spread).

📝Usage Notes

The past participle of 'delay'. Often used as an adjective to describe something that has been postponed or made late.

Word Breakdown

delay
to make something late or slow down progress
root
+
-ed
past participle suffix
suffix
English Dictionary