Reading Theme:
Delay: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes Explained (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：postpone an event (delay)
delay
/dɪˈleɪ/
n. v.
to make something happen later than planned or expected.
postpone an event
➕
/pəʊs(t)ˈpəʊn ən ɪˈvent/
n. v.
To cause something to happen at a later time than originally intended or scheduled.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'delayer', derived from Latin 'dilatare' meaning to spread out or postpone.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'delay' as 'day late', implying something is late by a day.
📖 Example
Due to bad weather, the airline had to delay all outgoing flights for three hours.
Because of adverse weather, the airline was forced to postpone all departing flights for three hours.
🔗 Collocations
delay a decision – to postpone making a choice
delay the start – to push back the beginning time
delay payment – to defer the payment to a later date
🔄 Synonyms
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'delay' entered English in the 13th century from Old French, often used in legal and logistical contexts. It is prevalent in modern transportation, such as flight delays, and project management.
Meaning 2：a wait (delay)
delay
/dɪˈleɪ/
n. v.
a period of time when you have to wait longer than expected for something to happen.
a wait
➕
/ə weɪt/
n. v.
A period of time during which one must wait longer than anticipated for something to occur.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
There will be a short delay before the new project officially starts.
There will be a brief wait before the new project officially begins.
🔗 Collocations
traffic delay – a hold-up in traffic flow
transmission delay – a lag in data transmission
without delay – immediately, without any waiting
🔄 Synonyms
wait (n.) – a period of time spent waiting
postponement (n.) – the act of delaying an event
holdup (n.) – a delay or obstruction
🚫 Antonyms
promptness (n.) – the quality of being on time
immediacy (n.) – the state of being immediate or without delay
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