Defer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⏳
defer
[dɪˈfəː ]
Definitions
finance
To postpone or delay something, especially the payment of a debt.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defer |
Typically used in formal settings, often indicating respect for a higher authority or waiting for a more suitable time.
|
| postpone |
Used when rescheduling an event or action to a later time. Usually associated with plans and events.
|
| delay |
Used in everyday conversations to indicate a general slowing down or increase in waiting time. Often implies inconvenience or disruption.
|
| put off |
Informal term commonly used in everyday speech to signify procrastination or avoidance of tasks. Often has negative connotations.
|
Examples of usage
- The company decided to defer the loan repayment for another month.
- She chose to defer her retirement plans until the economy stabilized.
education
To postpone enrollment or attendance at a college or university for a specified period.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defer |
Used when showing respect to someone's authority or expertise by deciding to follow their advice or decision.
|
| postpone |
Used when an event or action is rescheduled to a later time or date, typically in a formal or official context.
|
| delay |
Used when pushing something to be done later, often due to unforeseen circumstances. It may carry a negative connotation.
|
| suspend |
Used when temporarily stopping an activity or process, often with the intention to resume it later. It can have a sense of formality or seriousness.
|
Examples of usage
- The student decided to defer her admission to the following year.
- He deferred his studies to travel around the world.
legal
A postponement of a court case to a later date.
Synonyms
delay, postponement, suspension.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| defer |
Use in formal or academic settings when you want to indicate putting off an action to a later time. Often implies yielding to the judgment of another.
|
| postponement |
Suitable for formal or serious contexts, often in professional or organizational settings, where a planned event or activity is scheduled for a later time.
|
| delay |
Appropriate for general, everyday use when something is pushed back in time. Can have a slight negative connotation, especially if inconvenience is implied.
|
| suspension |
Applied in contexts where an activity or operation is temporarily halted, often with the implication that it will resume eventually. Can have a legal or formal connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The judge granted a deferment of the trial due to new evidence being presented.
- The lawyers agreed to a defer of the hearing until next month.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Deferment can signify a lack of confidence, where individuals may struggle to make choices and rely on others' opinions.
- Procrastination, a form of deferring, can be linked to anxiety or fear of failure in decision-making.
- Research suggests that deferring decisions can sometimes lead to better outcomes when additional information is needed.
Culture
- In some cultures, deferring to elders or those in authority is a sign of respect and is deeply rooted in customs.
- Japanese culture emphasizes 'wa' or harmony, where deferring to others can help maintain group consensus.
- In corporate settings, deferring decisions can foster collaboration, allowing teams to weigh options before finalizing plans.
Education
- Students may defer an exam to a later date if they feel unprepared or need more study time.
- Deferring a college acceptance or enrollment allows students time for personal reasons or to enhance their qualifications.
- In educational systems, deferring a decision to promote more group activities can encourage collective learning among peers.
Literature
- In various literary works, characters who defer crucial decisions often represent internal conflict or hesitation.
- Shakespeare incorporated themes of deferral in works like 'Hamlet', illustrating the consequences of inaction.
- Modern literature often explores the theme of deferring personal desires for the sake of others, highlighting character development.
Origin of 'defer'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'defer' comes from the Latin word 'deferre', meaning 'to carry away' or 'to bring down'.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally meaning to put off or delay.
- In legal contexts, 'defer' relates specifically to postponing a court decision or trial.
The word 'defer' originated from the Latin word 'differre', which means 'to postpone'. The term has been used in various contexts throughout history, including finance, education, and law. In finance, deferring a payment allows for temporary relief from financial obligations. In education, deferring enrollment provides students with the opportunity to explore other interests before pursuing higher education. In legal settings, a deferment of a court case may be granted for various reasons, such as the need for further evidence or the availability of key participants.