demorarse

Demorarse is a Spanish verb, used pronominally as se demoró, to describe taking longer than expected to reach a destination or to complete a task, or to become late. The action can refer to transportation, such as trains or flights, as well as to processes, projects, or personal activities. It often implies that the delay is due to obstacles or slower-than-expected pace rather than deliberate postponement.

The verb frequently appears with the reflexive pronoun and with construction en + infinitive to indicate what is being delayed: demorar se en hacer algo. It can also occur with concrete time expressions: se demoró veinte minutos en llegar. The related noun demora means delay, and the adjective demorada can describe something that is delayed.

Usage notes: The tone of demorar se is typically formal or written, and it is common in reports, official documents, and careful speech. In everyday conversation, speakers may prefer synonyms such as tardar, retrasar, or atrasar, depending on the nuance. Demorarse emphasizes the experience of delay by the subject, whereas tardar is more neutral and retrasar highlights the cause or action that slows things.

Etymology: Demorarse derives from demora (delay) with the reflexive suffix -arse; its ultimate origin is Latin demorare (to delay), transmitted through Old Spanish forms.

Examples: El tren se demoró veinte minutos en llegar. Me demoré en contestar el correo. La obra se demoró debido a las condiciones de suministro. These illustrate both intransitive use and the en + infinitive construction.