“Delayed” is an adjective that means something is made late or postponed. Here are some synonyms and their analyses:
1. Postponed
- Meaning: To put off to a later time; to defer. For example, “The concert was postponed due to bad weather.”
- Usage difference: “Postponed” implies a deliberate decision to move an event or activity to a later time. In comparison to “delayed,” it often involves a more planned or organized adjustment. For example, a meeting might be postponed until all the participants are available. “Delayed” can happen due to various unforeseen factors, such as traffic causing a delay in a delivery.
2. Deferred
- Meaning: To put off (an action or event) to a later time; to postpone, usually for a good reason. For example, “The project was deferred because of a lack of funds.”
- Usage difference: “Deferred” also indicates a purposeful delay. In comparison to “delayed,” it may suggest a more formal or official postponement. For example, a court case might be deferred until more evidence is available. It often implies that there is a valid reason for the delay and that it's a considered decision.
3. Held up
- Meaning: To cause to be late or detained; to slow down the progress of. For example, “The traffic jam held up the delivery truck.”
- Usage difference: “Held up” emphasizes the idea of something or someone being stopped or slowed down. In comparison to “delayed,” it often implies an external factor that is impeding progress. For example, a construction project might be held up by a shortage of materials, which shows a more active interference causing the delay.
4. Tardy
- Meaning: Late; slow in happening or arriving. For example, “The tardy train finally arrived at the station.”
- Usage difference: “Tardy” is more about the state of being late rather than the cause of the lateness. In comparison to “delayed,” it simply describes the fact that something is behind schedule. For example, a student who is tardy for class is just late, without necessarily specifying what caused the lateness, whereas a delayed flight implies there is a reason for the lateness such as mechanical problems or air traffic control.