delay 🔊
Meaning of delay
A situation in which something happens later than planned or expected.
Key Difference
Delay generally implies a temporary hold or a lapse of time before something occurs, often due to unforeseen circumstances or inefficiencies.
Example of delay
- The flight was delayed due to bad weather, causing inconvenience to hundreds of passengers.
- The construction project faced a delay because of a shortage of materials.
Synonyms
postpone 🔊
Meaning of postpone
To arrange for something to happen at a later time than originally planned.
Key Difference
Postpone suggests a deliberate decision to reschedule, whereas a delay may be unintentional.
Example of postpone
- The meeting was postponed to next week to allow more time for preparation.
- They decided to postpone the product launch until the market conditions improved.
defer 🔊
Meaning of defer
To put off to a later time, often with the intention of resuming or completing it later.
Key Difference
Defer often implies a formal or planned delay, such as in legal or financial contexts.
Example of defer
- The committee chose to defer the decision until more data was available.
- Students can defer their loan payments while still in school.
procrastinate 🔊
Meaning of procrastinate
To delay or postpone action, often out of habitual laziness or avoidance.
Key Difference
Procrastinate has a negative connotation, implying unnecessary or intentional delay.
Example of procrastinate
- He tends to procrastinate when it comes to filing his taxes.
- Stop procrastinating and start working on your assignment.
hold up 🔊
Meaning of hold up
To cause a delay or obstruction in progress.
Key Difference
Hold up often implies an external factor causing the delay, such as an obstacle or interruption.
Example of hold up
- Traffic was held up for hours due to an accident on the highway.
- The shipment was held up at customs for additional inspections.
stall 🔊
Meaning of stall
To delay or prevent progress deliberately.
Key Difference
Stall suggests intentional delay, often to gain time or avoid a decision.
Example of stall
- The negotiator tried to stall for time while waiting for further instructions.
- The car engine began to stall when the fuel ran low.
lag 🔊
Meaning of lag
To fall behind in progress or development.
Key Difference
Lag implies a slower pace compared to others, often resulting in a delay.
Example of lag
- The team began to lag behind schedule due to unexpected challenges.
- Older computers may lag when running new software.
detain 🔊
Meaning of detain
To keep someone or something from proceeding, often temporarily.
Key Difference
Detain usually involves an external authority causing the delay, such as law enforcement.
Example of detain
- The suspect was detained for questioning at the airport.
- Bad weather detained the hikers on the mountain overnight.
linger 🔊
Meaning of linger
To stay in a place longer than necessary, causing a delay.
Key Difference
Linger implies a slow or reluctant departure, often without a clear reason.
Example of linger
- She lingered outside the office, hesitant to enter the meeting.
- The smell of freshly baked bread lingered in the air for hours.
suspend 🔊
Meaning of suspend
To temporarily stop or delay an activity or process.
Key Difference
Suspend often implies an official or formal pause, such as in legal or institutional contexts.
Example of suspend
- The school decided to suspend classes due to the snowstorm.
- The athlete was suspended from competition for violating the rules.
Conclusion
- Delay is a general term for any lapse in time, whether intentional or not.
- Postpone is best when rescheduling is planned and formal.
- Defer works well in financial or legal settings where a delay is structured.
- Procrastinate should be used when the delay is due to avoidance or laziness.
- Hold up fits when external factors cause the delay.
- Stall is appropriate for intentional delays to gain time.
- Lag describes falling behind in progress compared to others.
- Detain is used when an authority figure causes the delay.
- Linger applies to delays caused by reluctance or slow movement.
- Suspend is best for formal or official pauses in activities.