Deferred Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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deferred
[dɪˈfɜːd ]
Definitions
in legal terms
Delayed or postponed, especially in reference to a payment or a legal case.
Synonyms
delayed, postponed, suspended.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deferred |
Used when referring to the postponement of an action or event to a later time, often implying it has been intentionally set aside for now and will be reconsidered or addressed in the future.
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| postponed |
Used when an event or action is rescheduled to a later time or date, often officially announced. It often implies that the event will still take place, just not at the originally intended time.
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| delayed |
Used when something happens later than expected or planned, often due to unforeseen circumstances or obstacles. It does not necessarily imply a formal decision to change the timing.
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| suspended |
Used when an activity or process is temporarily stopped, often implying that it may be resumed later. It can also carry a formal or official connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The court granted a deferred sentence for the first-time offender.
- The company offered a deferred payment plan for its customers.
in educational terms
Accepted to a school or program but starting at a later date.
Synonyms
delayed, postponed, rescheduled.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deferred |
This word is typically used in formal contexts, such as business or education, where an action or event is officially put off until a later time.
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| delayed |
Use this word when something is held up or takes more time than expected. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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| postponed |
This word is often used in contexts where an event or meeting is arranged for a later time, typically used in both formal and informal settings.
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| rescheduled |
Use this word when an event or appointment is rearranged for a different time. It implies setting a new date or time.
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Examples of usage
- He was a deferred applicant for the graduate program, starting next semester.
- The student decided to take a deferred admission to the university.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Deferred gratification refers to the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later reward.
- Successful delayed gratification is often linked to better life outcomes, such as higher academic achievement.
- Marshmallow experiments showed children's ability to defer their desires correlates with their future success.
Finance
- In finance, 'deferred' often relates to payments that are postponed, such as deferred taxes or mortgage payments.
- Companies might defer revenues until they are earned, which can influence financial reporting and cash flow.
- Investors sometimes seek deferred annuities for future income, allowing them to delay payouts to a later date.
Education
- In academics, students may have the option to defer their admissions to a university to a later term or year.
- A deferred action program for students allows them to postpone enrollment while meeting specific conditions.
- The concept of deferred scholarships means funds are set aside to be used in the future for education.
Legal
- In law, a deferred sentence or adjudication allows defendants to delay their sentencing under certain conditions.
- Deferred prosecution agreements permit the defendant to avoid criminal charges by fulfilling specific requirements.
- Deferred compensation plans enable employees to postpone their taxes on earnings, helping them save money.
Origin of 'deferred'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'deferred' comes from the Latin word 'differre', which means 'to carry apart' or 'to delay'.
- In English, it has been used since the late 14th century to indicate postponement.
- The prefix 'de-' adds the sense of reversal or removal, while 'fer' means to carry or bring.
The word 'deferred' originated from the Latin word 'deferre', which means 'to put off'. The term has been used in legal, financial, and educational contexts to indicate a delay or postponement. In legal terms, it often refers to the delay of a sentence or payment. In educational terms, it signifies acceptance to a program but starting at a later date.
See also: deference, deferential, deferment.