Deferment: meaning, definitions and examples
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deferment
[dɪˈfəːm(ə)nt ]
Definitions
education
The action or fact of putting something off to a later time; postponement.
Synonyms
delay, postponement, suspension.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deferment |
Use when referring to an official or formal decision to delay something, often used in legal, academic, or military contexts.
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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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deferment |
This term is often used in official or formal contexts, especially regarding the postponement of financial obligations, legal matters, or military service.
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| extension |
This is commonly used in more general situations where extra time is given, such as deadlines, projects, or policies. It can be both formal and informal.
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| renewal |
Used when something is being made new again or extended for another term, commonly seen with subscriptions, licenses, or memberships.
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| prolongation |
Often it's used in formal or technical contexts to describe the act of making something last longer, especially in contracts, medical treatments, or negotiations. It may have a slightly negative connotation if implying an undesirable delay.
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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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'deferment' comes from the Latin root 'differre', meaning 'to carry apart' or 'to delay'.
- It has been used in English since the late 19th century, primarily in legal and academic contexts.
- The root term 'defer' in English means to put off to a later time, showing the related concept of postponement.
Education
- In educational settings, deferment often refers to students choosing to postpone their enrollment or attendance for a semester or year.
- A common reason for deferment is the need for additional time to prepare for academic challenges, such as intensive study plans or personal issues.
- Universities sometimes allow deferment to encourage students to take time for personal growth or address life events before starting their studies.
Finance
- In finance, deferment is often used regarding student loans, where payments can be postponed under certain conditions, providing relief to borrowers.
- Deferment can affect interest accumulation on loans, which is crucial in understanding long-term financial obligations.
- Certain policies allow deferment for military service members, showing how the concept interacts with national service commitments.
Law
- Deferment in legal terms can refer to delaying a court date or extending the time needed for a party to respond to a legal matter.
- Judges sometimes grant deferments to ensure all parties involved have the necessary time to prepare their arguments adequately.
- In criminal cases, a deferment may lead to outcomes like probation, allowing offenders to avoid sentencing under specific conditions.
Culture
- Deferment can reflect cultural attitudes towards responsibility, with various societies placing different values on punctuality versus flexibility.
- In some cultural contexts, deferring obligations can signify wisdom, suggesting that taking time to consider decisions is of utmost importance.
- Understanding the concept of deferment in different cultures can enrich discussions on global perspectives on time management and priorities.