defer
dih-FUR
/dɪˈfɜːr/
To put off an action or event to a later time; also, to submit to another's wishes out of respect.
Often implies a delay based on external authority or a respectful yielding to someone else's judgment.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'de' (away) and 'ferre' (to carry), 'defer' originally meant to carry something away to a different time or person. This dual meaning survives today: you can defer a task (carry it to later) or defer to a boss (carry the decision to them).
Word relationships
- yield: Yielding is more about giving up a position; deferring is about choosing to follow another's lead.
- delay: Defer is more formal and often involves a specific reason or respect for authority.
- confront: To face something immediately rather than yielding or delaying.
- demand: To insist on immediate action rather than deferring.
Commonly confused with
- deter: Deter means to discourage someone from doing something; defer means to delay doing it.
Word family
- deferment (noun): The act of delaying something, like military service or a loan.
- deference (noun): Humble submission and respect.
Collocations
- defer payment
- defer to someone's judgment
- deferred gratification
Example sentences
- "What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?" A classic quote on dreams.
- "I will defer to my colleague's expertise on this technical matter." Professional etiquette.
Memory hook
When you defer, you 'transfer' the timing or the decision to someone else. DEFER to the expert's PREFERence.
When not to use
Do not use for simple physical delays like a train being late.
Fun facts
- The word 'difference' actually shares the same root 'dis-ferre' (to carry apart).
Also appears in
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