delaying
UK[dɪˈleɪɪŋ]US[dɪˈleɪɪŋ]
v
(present participle of delay) To cause someone or something to be slow or late
v
(present participle of delay) To decide or arrange to do something at a later time
Morpheme Breakdown
de
lay
ing
de
away, off
lay
to leave, to let
ing
present participle suffix
Etymology
The verb 'delay' entered English in the 13th century from Old French delaiier, meaning "to leave, to let," which was built from the Latin prefix de- ("away") and a root related to laxare ("to loosen, slacken"). The core logic is one of "leaving something away" or "loosening the urgency" from an action, thereby creating a gap in time. The present participle form 'delaying' adds the Old English '-ing' suffix, which grammatically transforms the verb to describe the continuous act of causing this postponement or slowness.
Analysis
Structure: de (away, off) + lay (to leave, to let) + ing (present participle suffix)
- de: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "away, off, down, completely." In this context, it implies a removal or separation from prompt action.
- lay: A root of Old French origin (from laier, leisser, meaning "to leave, to let"), which itself derives from Latin laxare ("to loosen"). It functions as the core verb.
- ing: A suffix of Old English origin (-ende, -inge) used to form the present participle, indicating an ongoing action or state.
Examples
They are delaying the project launch due to unforeseen technical issues.
Stop delaying and make a decision already.
The bad weather is delaying flights across the country.