Deferment: meaning, definitions and examples
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deferment
[ dɪˈfəːm(ə)nt ]
education
The action or fact of putting something off to a later time; postponement.
Synonyms
delay, postponement, suspension
Examples of usage
- The deferment of student loan payments helped many students during the pandemic.
- She requested a deferment of her exams due to unforeseen circumstances.
finance
The action of delaying or postponing a payment or obligation.
Synonyms
extension, prolongation, renewal
Examples of usage
- The company requested a deferment of their loan repayment schedule.
- The bank granted a deferment of the mortgage payment for a few months.
Word origin
The word 'deferment' originated from the Latin word 'deferre', which means 'to carry from'. It entered the English language in the mid-16th century. Initially, it was used in the context of delaying or postponing actions. Over time, 'deferment' became commonly used in educational and financial settings to refer to the act of delaying obligations or payments. The term gained popularity in the 20th century with the rise of student loans and financial deferment options.
See also: deference, deferential, deferred.