delay

/dɪˈleɪ/
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To make something happen later than expected.

Examples

  • The audio delay adds a reverberation effect to the vocals.
  • They keep delaying the start of the concert to please the crowd.
  • The manager delays decisions when the team disagrees.
  • I will delay my reply until I have all the facts.
  • He delayed the launch after the weather forecast changed.

Similar words

propagation delay
suspend
postpone
delay line
hold off
latency
postponement
put off
pause
buffer

Meanings

Postpone

verb
everyday
neutral
To cause something to happen later than originally planned or expected.

Examples

  • She delays the meeting because the projector is broken.
  • He delayed the launch after the weather forecast changed.
  • They keep delaying the start of the concert to please the crowd.
  • I will delay my reply until I have all the facts.
  • The manager delays decisions when the team disagrees.

Similar words

Postponement

noun
everyday
neutral
A period of time by which something is made later than planned.

Examples

  • The delay caused the train to miss its connection.
  • We apologized for the delay in delivering your order.
  • A short delay at the airport is normal during rush hour.
  • His delay in responding made the negotiation tense.
  • The project suffered a delay after the supplier ran out of parts.

Similar words

Delay device or effect

noun
technology
neutral
A device or effect that makes a signal or sound occur later than it is produced.

Examples

  • The audio delay adds a reverberation effect to the vocals.
  • Engineers measured the delay in the signal to improve synchronization.
  • A digital delay can be programmed to repeat a sound after a set time.
  • The circuit includes a delay line to align the pulses.
  • Reducing the delay in the network speeds up data transmission.

Similar words

Etymology

FAQ

What does delay mean?

It means to make something happen later than expected.

How is delay used as a verb?

As a verb, delay means to cause an event to occur later than originally planned.

What are some synonyms for delay when used as a verb?

Synonyms include postpone, defer, put off, hold off, suspend, adjourn, reschedule, procrastinate.

How is delay used as a noun meaning postponement?

As a noun, delay refers to the period of time by which something is made later than planned.

What are some synonyms for delay as a noun meaning postponement?

Synonyms include postponement, holdup, setback, wait, lag, hold-up, pause, interruption.

What does delay mean in a technology context?

In technology, delay is a device or effect that makes a signal or sound occur later than it is produced.

What are some synonyms for delay in a technological sense?

Synonyms include latency, lag, time lag, buffer, delay line, echo, phase shift, propagation delay.

Can delay be both a verb and a noun?

Yes, delay can describe an action of postponing or the period of postponement itself.

How does delay differ from lag?

Delay is the intentional or scheduled postponement of an event, while lag usually describes an unintended slowdown or gap.

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