delay

Syllables:
de·lay
2 syllables
delay in syllables

About "delay"

Syllables
2
Letters
5
Language
EN

How to Split "delay" into Syllables

The word delay is divided into 2 syllables: de·lay. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • de — 1st syllable
  • lay — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of delay:

  • IPA: /dɪˈleɪ/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. A period of time before an event occurs; the act of delaying; procrastination; lingering inactivity.
  2. To put off until a later time; to defer.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English delaien, borrowed from Anglo-Norman delaier, Old French deslaier, from des- + Old French laier (“to leave”), a conflation of Old Frankish *lattjan ("to delay, hinder"; from Proto-Germanic *latjaną (“to delay, hinder, stall”), from Proto-Indo-European *leh₁d- (“to leave, leave behind”)), and Old Frankish *laibijan ("to leave"; from Proto-Germanic *laibijaną (“to leave, cause to stay”), from Proto-Indo-European *leyp- (“to remain, continue”)). Doublet of...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down delay into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare delay with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
delay 2 de·lay
duel 1 duel
daily 2 dai-ly
dull 1 dull
dowel 2 do-wel

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to delay:

Del, deli, Dell, delft, Delhi, Delia, delis, Della.

Frequently Asked Questions About "delay"

How many syllables does "delay" have?

delay has 2 syllables: de·lay. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "delay"?

The stress is on the first syllable: de. This means you emphasize the "de" part when pronouncing delay.

How do you pronounce "delay"?

delay is pronounced as /dɪˈleɪ/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: de·lay.

Is "delay" easy to spell?

Breaking delay into syllables helps with spelling: de·lay. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "delay" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.