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Postponing: meaning, definitions and examples

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postponing

 

[pəʊstˈpəʊnɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

action delay

Postponing refers to the act of delaying or rescheduling an event or action to a later time. This can occur in various contexts, such as meetings, deadlines, or personal commitments. It indicates a decision made to push something back rather than canceling it outright. People may postpone activities for various reasons, including needing more preparation time or unforeseen circumstances. The decision to postpone can sometimes lead to increased efficiency if it allows for better planning and execution.

Synonyms

adjourn, defer, delay, put off, reschedule.

Examples of usage

  • The meeting was postponed until next week.
  • He is postponing his vacation because of work obligations.
  • Due to bad weather, the match was postponed.
  • They decided to postpone the project launch.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'post-' meaning 'after' and 'ponere', a Latin word meaning 'to place'.
  • It started being used in English around the 15th century, reflecting the concept of shifting responsibilities to a later time.

Psychology

  • Procrastination is a psychological phenomenon closely related to postponing, often influenced by fear of failure or perfectionism.
  • Research shows that those who postpone tasks frequently might experience increased stress and anxiety due to unfinished obligations.

Culture

  • In many cultures, postponing is viewed negatively as laziness or a lack of motivation, whereas some see it as a strategic move to prioritize tasks.
  • Cultural attitudes towards postponement vary; in some societies, flexibility in deadlines is embraced as a part of life’s flow.

Productivity

  • Time management techniques often emphasize the importance of scheduling tasks rather than postponing them to increase effectiveness.
  • The Pomodoro Technique encourages focusing on tasks for a set period and then taking breaks, reducing the tendency to postpone.

Literature

  • Postponing the inevitable is a common theme in literature, representing human struggle against fate or responsibility.
  • In several classic novels, characters often face the consequences of their choices to postpone important decisions.

Translations

Translations of the word "postponing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 adiamento

🇮🇳 स्थगित करना

🇩🇪 Verschiebung

🇮🇩 penundaan

🇺🇦 відкладення

🇵🇱 przesunięcie

🇯🇵 延期

🇫🇷 report

🇪🇸 aplazamiento

🇹🇷 ertelemek

🇰🇷 연기

🇸🇦 تأجيل

🇨🇿 odložení

🇸🇰 odloženie

🇨🇳 推迟

🇸🇮 preložitev

🇮🇸 frestun

🇰🇿 құтқару

🇬🇪 გადავადება

🇦🇿 təxirə salma

🇲🇽 aplazamiento

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,338, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.