The word "postponed" is a verb that means to put off, delay, or defer an event, activity, or decision to a later time. Here are some synonyms and explanations:
1. Delayed
- Explanation: "Delayed" is a very common synonym for "postponed." It means to cause something to happen at a later time than originally planned. The reason for the delay can be various, such as unforeseen circumstances, technical problems, or simply a decision to wait. For example, "The flight was delayed due to bad weather." This implies that the take - off time was pushed back.
- Example: The meeting was delayed because the important documents hadn't arrived. In a similar way, it could also have been postponed until the documents were available.
2. Deferred
- Explanation: "Deferred" also means to put off or postpone, usually for a good reason or due to some form of official decision - making. It often implies a more formal or considered delay. For example, "The payment was deferred until the end of the month." Here, there was a conscious decision to move the payment to a later date.
- Example: The court deferred the trial to allow more time for evidence - gathering. This is similar to postponing the trial for the same purpose.
3. Suspended
- Explanation: "Suspended" can mean to temporarily stop or delay something. It often gives the impression of a more abrupt halt, with the possibility of resumption. For example, "The construction work was suspended due to a lack of funds." It's like the work was put on hold, similar to a postponement, but might also carry a sense of it being in a state of limbo until the situation changes.
- Example: The student's expulsion was suspended pending an appeal. In this case, the final decision was postponed to give the student a chance to present their case.
4. Rescheduled
- Explanation: "Rescheduled" specifically means to arrange a new time for an event that was previously planned. It implies that there is a definite new date or time set. For example, "The concert was rescheduled for next month." Here, the event was postponed, but a new date has been determined.
- Example: The exam was rescheduled to a later date because of a scheduling conflict. This shows that it was postponed and a new time was chosen.
5. Put off
- Explanation: "Put off" is an informal way of saying to postpone. It implies a simple act of delaying something without a lot of formality. For example, "I put off doing my homework until tomorrow." It's a more casual expression of the same concept as postponing.
- Example: She put off the dentist appointment because she was too busy. This is a common - language way of saying she postponed it.