Learn How to Pronounce delay

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delay

Definition:

(nou) time during which some action is awaited (nou) the act of delaying; inactivity resulting in something being put off until a later time

Phonetic Transcription:

dɪˈleɪ

Examples:

If we delay, postpone, temporize, wait until the next election, it'll get worse.

There was a delay in the reply.

A delay circuit is provided in the device to delay the excitation of the magnet.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: delay

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Common mistakes of delay pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Some learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "de-'LAY" instead of the correct "DE-lay" (ˈdɪˌleɪ). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable for accurate pronunciation.
  2. Vowel confusion: Mispronouncing the "e" in "delay" can lead to confusion. Some say "dih-lay" instead of "de-lay" (dɪˈleɪ). Tip: Focus on the long "e" sound to ensure clarity.
  3. Final "y" sound: A common mistake is not pronouncing the final "y" clearly, making it sound like "del" instead of "delay" (dɪˈleɪ). Tip: Practice saying the full word to maintain the final sound.
  4. Syllable omission: Some may drop the syllable entirely, saying "day" instead of "delay" (dɪˈleɪ). Tip: Break the word into syllables when practicing: "de-lay."
  5. Regional accents: In some accents, "delay" may sound different, leading to misunderstandings. For instance, some may pronounce it more like "di-lay." Tip: Listen to native speakers to grasp regional variations.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "delay" in American English?

In American English, "delay" is pronounced as /dɪˈleɪ/. The stress is on the second syllable, making it sound like "di-LAY".

What is the British pronunciation of "delay"?

In British English, "delay" is also pronounced as /dɪˈleɪ/. The pronunciation is the same as in American English, with the stress on the second syllable.

How many syllables are in the word "delay"?

The word "delay" has two syllables: "de" and "lay". The first syllable is unstressed, while the second syllable carries the primary stress.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "delay"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "DE-lay" instead of "di-LAY". Remember that the correct pronunciation emphasizes the second syllable.
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