Defer

Defer

Definition

The word defer means to postpone or put off an action or decision to a later time. When we defer something, we choose to delay it or wait until a more appropriate or convenient moment. Deferring can be seen in various aspects of our lives. If you have a deadline for a project but realize you need more time to complete it, you might ask for a deferment of the due date. This allows you to extend the deadline and finish the project later.

In a different context, deferring can also refer to the act of yielding or giving preference to someone else’s opinion, choice, or authority. For example, if you’re having a discussion with a group of friends and they all want to watch a particular movie, but you’re not sure, you might defer to their choice and go along with their decision. In the realm of decision-making, deferring can be a strategic move. Sometimes, when faced with a complex or important choice, it can be beneficial to defer the decision until you have gathered more information or have had time to carefully consider all the options.

Example sentences
The student requested to defer their enrollment to the following semester.
The team decided to defer the decision until they had more information.
The company chose to defer the implementation of the new software until next year.
The professor allowed me to defer my exam to a later date due to illness.
The athlete decided to defer their retirement and continue competing for another year.