defer

/di'fə:/

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Explanation of the Word "Defer"

Definition: The verb "defer" means to put something off to a later time or to yield to someone else's wishes or opinions.

Usage Instructions:

• "Defer" can be used when you want to say that you are delaying something or not making a decision right away.
• It can also be used to express that you are allowing someone else to decide or to take precedence over your own opinions.

Example Sentences:

1. Delay: "We decided to defer the meeting until next week."
2. Yield: "She chose to defer to her teacher's advice on how to study for the exam."

Advanced Usage:

In a more formal context, "defer" is often used in legal or academic situations. For example, a student might defer their enrollment to a university for a year.

Word Variants:

• Noun: "deference" (the act of yielding to someone else's wishes)
• Adjective: "deferential" (showing respect or yielding to the opinions of others)

Different Meanings:

• To defer can also mean to submit to someone else's judgment or decision. For instance, in a hierarchical organization, a junior employee may defer to their manager.

Synonyms:

• Postpone
• Delay
• Yield
• Submit
• Respect

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Defer to someone: This idiom means to accept someone else's opinion or decision because you respect their knowledge or position.
  • Example: "In matters of finance, I usually defer to my accountant."

Conclusion:

"Defer" is a versatile word used to indicate postponing an action or yielding to others.

Academic

Verb

1. yield to another's wish or opinion
   • The government bowed to the military pressure
2. hold back to a later time
   • let's postpone the exam

Synonyms

• submit
• bow
• accede
• give in