defer

[dɪˈfɜːr]

defer Definition

• 1. put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone.
• 2. submit humbly to (a person or a person's wishes or qualities).
• 3. yield respectfully to the opinion or will of another person.

Using defer: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "defer" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The bank has agreed to defer the debt repayments for a year.

• Example

  I would like to defer my decision until next week.

• Example

  He deferred to her superior knowledge.

• Example

  I always defer to my father's judgment in such matters.

defer Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for defer

• postpone
• delay
• shelve
• put off
• hold off

Antonyms for defer

• advance
• bring forward

Phrases with defer

• defer to

  accept someone else's opinion or authority

  Example

  I usually defer to my boss's opinion on important matters.

• defer to someone's judgment

  accept someone else's opinion or decision

  Example

  I trust his expertise and often defer to his judgment.

• defer payment

  postpone payment until a later date

  Example

  The company allowed me to defer payment for six months.

Origins of defer

from Old French 'differer', from Latin 'differre', meaning 'carry away, be different'

📌

Summary: defer in Brief

'Defer' [dɪˈfɜːr] means to put off an action or event to a later time, or to submit humbly to a person's wishes or opinions. It is often used in phrases like 'defer to' and 'defer payment.' Examples include 'The bank has agreed to defer the debt repayments for a year,' and 'I always defer to my father's judgment in such matters.'