ENGLISH
REFERENCE

delayed

v.
A2 Elementary US //dɪˈɫeɪd// UK //dɪlˈeɪd// de·layed

v. to make something happen later than planned. You use this when a train is late or when you need more time to finish a task.

v. to postpone or slow down an action or event until a later time. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the event or action being deferred.


SIMPLE

The heavy rain delayed the start of the match.

CONTEXTUAL

The airline delayed our flight by three hours due to a technical problem with the engine.

COMPLEX

The committee decided to delay the final vote until all members had a chance to review the updated environmental impact report.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and often followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (verb-ing).

Pitfall

The train delayed for an hour.The train was delayed for an hour.When an external force causes a lateness, use the passive voice; 'the train delayed' implies the train itself chose to wait.

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