What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
defer
Example
I will defer my vacation until next month. [defer: verb]
Example
The committee decided to defer the decision until the next meeting. [defer: verb]
Example
He deferred to his boss's opinion on the matter. [deferred: past tense verb]
delay
Example
The flight was delayed due to bad weather. [delay: verb]
Example
We experienced a delay in the delivery of our package. [delay: noun]
Example
The construction project was delayed by several months. [delayed: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Delay is more commonly used than defer in everyday language. Delay is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while defer is less common and typically used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between defer and delay?
Defer is more formal than delay and is often used in professional or academic contexts. It is a polite way to express the idea of postponing something, especially when dealing with people in positions of authority or seniority. Delay, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
