What is delay? Pronunciation and usage in English

delay means . Learn how to pronounce and use delay through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of delay

delayverb

/dɪˈleɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of delay

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "delay" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio links to help you:

1. The Basic Sound:

The word "delay" is pronounced like this: ˈdelɪ (stress on the first syllable)

  • De-: This part sounds like the "dee" in "deep."
  • -lay: This part sounds like the "lay" in "lay down." (like the past tense of "lay")

2. Syllable Breakdown:

  • de-LAY (stress on the first syllable - "de")

3. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

This is the most precise way to represent the sound: /ˈdeli/

4. Resources with Audio:

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: Make sure you emphasize the first syllable ("de").
  • "Lay" Sound: The "-lay" part is a short, clear "ay" sound, like the "ay" in "say" or "play." Don't stretch it out too much.

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Usage and examples with the word delay in English

Let's break down how to use the word "delay" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. As a Noun (a postponement or interruption):

  • General Meaning: This is the most common usage. It refers to a postponement or interruption of something, usually something scheduled or expected.

    • Example: "There was a delay in the flight due to bad weather." (The flight was postponed)
    • Example: "We experienced a significant delay in the project timeline." (The project schedule was pushed back)
    • Example: "He’s got a delay on his car repairs – they’ll take another week." (The repairs will be longer than expected)

2. As a Verb (to postpone or cause a delay):

  • Meaning: To make something take longer than expected; to postpone.

    • Example: “The traffic delayed us on the way to the airport.” (The traffic caused a delay for us)
    • Example: “The meeting will be delayed until next week.” (The meeting is being postponed)
    • Example: "Don’t delay your application – apply now!" (Don’t postpone your application)

3. Specific Types of Delays:

  • Technical Delay: (In technology) A problem that slows down a system or process. "There was a server delay causing website outages."
  • Medical Delay: (In healthcare) A delay in receiving treatment or diagnosis. "The patient experienced a painful delay in getting an MRI."
  • Traffic Delay: (Dealing with movement) A slowdown in traffic. “We got caught in a massive delay on the highway.”
  • Communication Delay: (Related to exchanging information) A pause or interruption in communication. "There was a significant delay in receiving confirmation from headquarters."

4. Phrases with "Delay":

  • Delay the inevitable: To postpone something that is unavoidable. "They tried to delay the inevitable sale of the company."
  • Delay of gratification: The ability to postpone immediate pleasure for a later reward. ("He showed a strong delay of gratification, studying hard for his exams.")
  • Under delay: Currently experiencing a delay. “The package is currently under delay due to customs.”
  • Cause a delay: To be the reason for a postponement. “The storm caused a major delay to the train schedule.”

Tips for Using "Delay" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: Think about what is being delayed (a flight, a project, a treatment, etc.) and the reason for the delay.
  • Use “because of” or “due to”: Often, you'll want to explain why something is delayed. “The flight was delayed because of bad weather.” or “The project was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances.”
  • Synonyms: Consider alternative words like “postpone,” “delay,” “stall,” “hold up,” or “interrupt” depending on the nuance you want to convey.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you writing or speaking about? (e.g., a travel blog, a business report, a casual conversation?)
  • Can you give me a sentence where you're trying to use the word "delay"? I can then help you refine it.

Synonyms for the word delay

Practice with vocabulary delay

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Due to unforeseen technical issues, the project's launch experienced a significant _______.
  2. The board decided to _______ the crucial vote until all members could be present.
  3. The heavy snowfall will certainly _______ the morning commute for many residents.
  4. Lack of funding proved to be the biggest _______ to the rapid expansion of the startup.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Unforeseen complications caused a significant _______ in the release of the new software update. a) acceleration b) impediment c) delay d) progress e) momentum

  2. To avoid further _______ to the conference schedule, all speakers are requested to adhere strictly to their allotted time. a) advancements b) postponements c) delays d) expedients

  3. The manufacturing process was _______ by a shortage of key components, affecting delivery timelines. a) expedited b) streamlined c) delayed d) hastened e) hampered

  4. The decision on the merger has been _______ until the legal team reviews all contracts thoroughly. a) expedited b) finalized c) deferred d) advanced e) concluded

  5. Heavy traffic and road closures served to _______ our journey to the airport. a) facilitate b) expedite c) obstruct d) accelerate e) assist

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We must act quickly to prevent the project from being held up. Rewrite using "delay" or a related word form:

  2. The ongoing negotiations are causing the signing of the agreement to take longer than expected. Rewrite using "delay" or a related word form:

  3. The slow pace of approval is making it difficult to proceed with the construction. Rewrite without using "delay" or its forms, but a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. delay
  2. postpone
  3. delay
  4. obstacle

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) impediment, c) delay
  2. b) postponements, c) delays
  3. c) delayed, e) hampered
  4. c) deferred
  5. c) obstruct

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We must act quickly to prevent the project from being delayed.
  2. The ongoing negotiations are causing a delay in the signing of the agreement.
  3. The slow pace of approval is hindering the construction's progress.

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