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delay

verb B2 Neutral

Meaning

To delay means to cause something to happen later than planned or expected.
💡 A common mistake is to confuse "delay" with "postpone," which can imply a more formal rescheduling.

Example Sentences

The manager decided to delay the meeting until next week .

Word in Context

Lily was standing at the bus stop with a cup of coffee , checking the timetable on her phone . A small accident on the main road could delay the buses , so she decided to wait by the shelter . She had been watching the sky and thinking that if the bus came late she would call her manager to explain . When the bus finally arrived , everyone smiled a little and walked quietly to work , relieved the morning had not become chaotic .

Common Phrases

delay a meeting delay a decision delay progress

Synonyms

Antonyms

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