defer

UK: dɪˈfɜː(r) | US: dɪˈfɜːr

Definition

  1. vt. to postpone or delay something to a later time

  2. vi. to yield respectfully to another’s opinion or authority

Structure
de <down/away>fer <carry>
Etymology

defer = de<down/away> + fer<carry>

  • de (Latin prefix): meaning "down" or "away," often indicating reversal or removal.
  • fer (Latin root): meaning "to carry" or "to bear," seen in words like transfer (carry across) or refer (carry back).

Etymology Origin:
The word defer originates from Latin differre ("to carry away, postpone"), combining dis- (apart) + ferre (to carry). Over time, the prefix simplified to de-, while the core idea of "carrying away" evolved into two modern meanings:

  1. Postponement (carrying an action to a later time).
  2. Respectful submission (metaphorically "carrying" one’s will to another’s authority).
Examples

  1. The committee decided to defer the vote until next month.

  2. She deferred to her mentor’s expertise on the matter.

  3. Students may defer their loans while in school.

  4. Out of politeness, he deferred to his elder’s judgment.

  5. The project was deferred due to budget constraints.