defer

IPA

Dictionary definition of defer

To delay or postpone something, often by choice or as a matter of respect or courtesy to another person's wishes, authority, or priority.
"He decided to defer his enrollment at the university for a year."

Detailed meaning of defer

When individuals defer, they put off a decision, action, or task to a later time, usually in recognition of someone else's position, preferences, or needs. This term can apply to various situations, from deferring a meeting to accommodate someone's schedule to deferring a judgment or action until more information is available. "Defer" underscores the idea of willingly yielding or giving priority to someone else's interests or concerns, leading to a temporary delay or postponement of one's own plans or actions.

Example sentences of defer

1. He decided to defer his vacation until next month.
2. The committee chose to defer the decision until they had more information.
3. I will defer to my supervisor's judgment on this matter.
4. They agreed to defer the meeting to a later date.
5. The team decided to defer the project until they had a clearer plan.
6. She deferred her studies to focus on her career.

History and etymology of defer

The verb 'defer' has its roots in Latin, originating from the word 'deferre.' It is formed by combining 'de,' indicating 'down' or 'away,' and 'ferre,' meaning 'to carry' or 'to bring.' In Latin, 'deferre' originally meant 'to carry down' or 'to bring down,' and it was used in various contexts, including the act of delaying or postponing something. Over time, the term's meaning evolved to include the concept of delaying or postponing, often by choice or as a matter of respect or courtesy to another person's wishes, authority, or priority. The etymology of 'defer' underscores the idea of carrying or bringing something down the timeline, emphasizing the act of postponing or delaying something to a later point, whether out of respect or for other considerations.

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Further usage examples of defer

1. The company chose to defer the implementation of the new policy.
2. He asked if he could defer his payment until next week.
3. The judge decided to defer the sentencing until a later time.
4. We should defer to the experts' opinions on this matter.
5. The students were allowed to defer their exams due to personal circumstances.
6. The organization decided to defer the fundraising event due to bad weather.
7. The professor allowed the student to defer the assignment deadline by a day.
8. They decided to defer the decision-making process until they had gathered more data.
9. The board of directors opted to defer the discussion on the new proposal.
10. She requested to defer her medical appointment to a later time.
11. The homeowner decided to defer the renovation project until the following year.
12. The company chose to defer the product launch to address quality concerns.
13. He decided to defer the purchase of a new car until he saved more money.
14. The team agreed to defer the decision until everyone had a chance to provide input.