delayed
UK[dɪˈleɪd]US[dɪˈleɪd]
adj
Happening at a later time than planned or expected
adj
(Of a person) made to wait or slowed down
Morpheme Breakdown
de
lay
ed
de
completely
lay
put
ed
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'delayed' originates from the Old French delayer, meaning "to leave, to put off", which itself was built from the Latin prefix de- (expressing completion or reversal) and a root related to leaving or slackening. The English verb 'delay' was formed by combining the intensive prefix 'de-' with the common verb 'lay' (to put or place), creating the sense "to put aside for later". The '-ed' suffix then transforms this past action into an adjective, describing something that has been "thoroughly put off" to a later time, capturing the state of being late or postponed.
Analysis
Structure: de (completely) + lay (put) + ed (adjective suffix)
- de: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "completely, thoroughly, away, off". In this word, it intensifies the action.
- lay: From Old English lecgan, meaning "to put, place, set down". It is the core verb root.
- ed: A suffix of Old English origin, used to form the past tense and past participle of verbs, which can also function as an adjective.
Examples
The flight was delayed due to severe weather conditions.
We experienced a delayed response from the server, which slowed down the entire process.
He felt a sense of delayed gratification after years of hard work finally paid off.