Meaning & Definition of word "Defer"
to
Defer
/dɪˈfɜr/
verb:
- 1. to put off (action) to a future time; to postpone.
- Example: We have decided to defer the meeting until next week.
- 2. to yield respectfully in judgment or opinion to the wishes or decisions of another.
- Example: I will defer to your expertise on this matter.
- 3. to submit to another's wishes, opinion, or decision.
- Example: The committee chose to defer to the board for the final decision.
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin 'differre', meaning 'to carry apart, delay' (dif- + ferre 'to carry').
Common Phrases and Expressions
defer to:
To submit to the judgment or decision of another.
defer payment:
To postpone the payment due.
defer action:
To delay taking action on an issue.
Related Words
deference:
Respectful submission or yielding to the judgment of another.
deferment:
The action of postponing or delaying something.
deferral:
An act of delaying or postponing.
Slang Meanings of defer
Meaning: To push something off for later, often used in a casual context.
Example Sentence: I'll just defer that assignment until tomorrow.