Differences between hold off and stave off
Hold off means to delay or postpone something, while stave off means to prevent or avoid something negative from happening.
Meanings and Definitions: hold off vs stave off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Hold off
- 1When bad weather doesn't appear.
The rain HELD OFF until we'd got back home.
- 2Stop someone from attacking or beating you.
Chelsea couldn't HOLD their opponents OFF and lost the game.
Stave off
- 1Delay, prevent something from happening.
The medicine STAVED OFF the worst of the disease.
Usage Examples: hold off, stave off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
hold off
Example
We need to hold off on the project until we get more funding.
Example
She holds off on making a decision until she has all the information.
stave off
Example
We need to stave off the negative effects of climate change.
Example
She staves off her hunger by eating small snacks throughout the day.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hold off
To make something happen at a later time than originally planned.
Example
The flight was delayed due to bad weather conditions.
To arrange for an event or action to take place at a later time than originally planned.
Example
The wedding was postponed due to the pandemic restrictions.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stave off
To stop something from happening or to keep something from occurring.
Example
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent heart disease.
To prevent or avoid something negative from happening, especially a disaster or crisis.
Example
The timely intervention of the firefighters helped avert a major fire in the building.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “hold”
Phrasal Verbs with “stave”
Differences in hold off vs stave off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: hold off or stave off?
In daily conversation, people use hold off more often than stave off. This is because hold off is used for more common situations such as delaying a meeting or postponing a task. Stave off is not used as much, and it's mainly used when we're talking about preventing something negative from happening. So, while both phrases are used, hold off is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hold off and stave off
Hold off and stave off are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hold off and stave off
The tone of hold off and stave off can differ based on context. Hold off often carries a neutral or slightly negative tone when related to delaying or postponing something, while stave off typically has a more urgent and serious tone, especially when referring to preventing something negative from happening.
