defer
Translation
to defer, to postpone, to yield
Examples
We will defer the decision until next week.
We will defer the decision until next week.
I will defer to your judgment on this matter.
I will defer to your judgement on this matter.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to postpone (sth.) They deferred payment until the work was completed.
((to sb./sth.)) to yield to (sb.'s opinion or sth.) She deferred to the expert's opinion.
Similar Words
Synonyms (postpone): delay, put off; Synonyms (yield): submit, give way
Etymology
Two roots. 1) Latin 'differre' (to put off). 'dis-' (away) + 'ferre' (to carry). 2) Latin 'deferre' (to grant). 'de-' (down) + 'ferre' (to carry).
Memory Tips
To 'defer' a task is to let it 'differ' to a later date. To 'defer' to someone is to let their opinion 'ferry' the decision.