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Postponer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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postponer

[pəˈspəʊn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

delay

To delay an event or appointment to a later time or date.

Synonyms

defer, delay, put off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
delay

This word can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It often implies that something is late or taking longer than expected. It might have a slightly negative connotation if it causes inconvenience.

  • The flight was delayed due to technical issues
  • Traffic delays caused us to be late for the appointment
defer

This word is often used in formal settings to describe a decision to delay something until a later time or when more information is available.

  • The committee decided to defer the decision until they received more data
  • We will defer the examination to give students more time to prepare
put off

This is a more informal way to say that you are changing the time of an event or action to a later time. It often implies that the delay is due to procrastination or unwillingness.

  • I've been putting off cleaning the garage for weeks
  • He put off writing his essay until the last minute

Examples of usage

  • I have to postpone our meeting until next week.
  • The concert was postponed due to bad weather.
  • She decided to postpone her vacation until the following month.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Procrastination can be linked to feelings of anxiety or fear about completing tasks, often leading to avoidance.
  • Research suggests that some individuals may delay tasks as a form of self-protection from potential failure.
  • Studies show that breaking tasks into smaller steps can help reduce the tendency to postpone actions.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, delaying tasks is seen as a sign of wisdom, allowing for more thoughtful decision-making.
  • Certain societies place a strong emphasis on punctuality, viewing procrastination negatively, which can impact social reputations.
  • Conversely, other cultures may embrace a more relaxed approach to deadlines, tolerating delays as a natural part of life.

Health and Well-being

  • Chronic postponing can lead to increased stress and reduced well-being, impacting overall health.
  • Time management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique, are often recommended to combat the urge to delay tasks.
  • Engaging in regular self-reflection can help identify reasons behind procrastination and promote more timely actions.

Origin of 'postponer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'procrastinate' comes from the Latin 'procrastinatus', meaning 'deferred until tomorrow'.
  • The roots of 'postponer' combine the prefix 'post-' (after) and 'poner' (to put), literally meaning to put things off.
  • The concept of postponement dates back to ancient times, appearing in various texts as a common human behavior.

The word 'postpone' originated from the Latin word 'postponere', which means 'to place after'. The concept of delaying or putting off something to a later time has been a common practice throughout history, often due to various reasons such as weather conditions, scheduling conflicts, or unforeseen circumstances.

See also: postponed, postponement.