Definition
To take a long time or to be late; to delay. Used when something or someone is slow to happen or arrive.
Example
O ônibus demorou muito hoje de manhã.
Show translation
The bus took a very long time this morning.
Etymology
From Latin *demorari* ("to linger, stay behind"), formed from *de-* (intensive prefix) + *morari* ("to delay, linger"), from *mora* ("delay, pause"). The same root gives English "moratorium" — a formal pause or delay.
Cultural note
Brazilians use *demorar* constantly in daily life — waiting for buses, food delivery, or friends who run on the famously relaxed *horário brasileiro* (Brazilian time). The phrase *"não demora!"* ("it won't take long!") is a common — if optimistic — reassurance. A related noun, *demora*, means "the delay" itself, useful for complaints at service counters.