mindmap root((拖延)) delay usually implies a putting off （as a beginning or departure）: a tight schedule means we cannot ~ any longer. procrastinate implies blameworthy delay especially through laziness, hesitation, or apathy: ~s about making every decision. lag implies failure to maintain a speed or rate set by others: we ~ behind other countries in shoe production. loiter implies delay while in progress, especially in walking: ~ed at several store windows before going to church. dawdle more clearly suggests idleness, aimlessness, or a warndering mind: children ~ing on their way home from school. dally suggests delay through trifling or vacillation when promptness is necessary: stop ~ing and get to work.