defer
UK/dɪ'fɜː/US/di'fә:/
IELTSTOEFLGREC1
Definitions
v.
To put off (an action) to a later time; postpone.
推迟；延期
v.
To yield to someone's wishes, judgment, or authority out of respect.
尊重并服从；听从
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde- (away, down) + fer (carry) = 'to carry away/down.' Two senses developed: «carry away» from now → postpone (defer payment); «carry oneself down» before another → yield (defer to authority).
Root fer still carries 93 more wordsUsage Guide
- Postpone: 'defer payment,' 'defer a decision,' 'defer admission' — push to later
- Yield: 'defer to your judgment,' 'I'll defer to the expert' — respect and accept
- Pattern: «defer X» (postpone X) vs «defer to Y» (yield to Y) — same verb, opposite-looking sentences
- Stress: de-FER
Example Sentences
- 1.
Many students defer university entry to travel.
- 2.
I'll defer to your expertise on this.
- 3.
The committee deferred its decision until next month.