defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
Examples
In a meeting
“Let's defer that discussion to next week's meeting when we have more data.”
Over coffee
“I'll defer to you on the restaurant choice — you know the area better.”
Why this word
postpone
Defer can mean delay or yield to authority, while postpone only means reschedule to later time
delay
Defer implies intentional postponement or yielding judgment to another, while delay suggests any holdup
yield
Defer emphasizes respectfully submitting to another's judgment or priority, while yield broadly means give way
Usage tip
Has two meanings: 'delay' (defer the decision) and 'respect someone's expertise' (defer to the expert). Context makes it clear.
Etymology
Latin differre — dis (apart) + ferre (to carry, bear)
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
subsequent
Coming after something in time or order.
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it