Here are some synonyms of "defer" and an analysis of their similarities and differences:
Postpone
- Similarity: "Postpone" and "defer" are very similar. They both mean to put off or delay an event, a decision, or an action to a later time. For example, if a meeting is "deferred", it means it's put off to a future date. The same is true if a meeting is "postponed". You might say, "We need to defer the decision until we have more information" or "We need to postpone the decision until we have more information".
- Difference: "Postpone" is a more commonly used word in everyday language and is perhaps more straightforward. It's often used when referring to rescheduling an event like a concert or a sports match. "Defer" can sometimes have a more formal or official tone and may imply a more considered decision to delay, perhaps due to more complex reasons such as waiting for further input or because of a hierarchical decision - making process.
Delay
- Similarity: "Delay" also means to cause something to happen later than originally planned. It's similar to "defer" in that it involves a postponement. For example, "The construction work was deferred due to bad weather" and "The construction work was delayed due to bad weather" both convey the idea that the work didn't start as scheduled because of the weather.
- Difference: "Delay" can sometimes imply an involuntary or unexpected postponement. For example, a flight can be "delayed" because of technical problems. "Defer", on the other hand, often implies a more intentional act of putting something off. It can also be used in contexts such as deferring to someone else's opinion or deferring a payment, which "delay" doesn't cover as well.
Suspend
- Similarity: "Suspend" can be a synonym for "defer" in some contexts. It means to temporarily stop or delay something. For example, you could "suspend" or "defer" a project if you need to re - evaluate its goals. They both involve a pause in the normal progression of something.
- Difference: "Suspend" often implies a more complete stoppage and may involve a more formal or institutional action. For example, a student can be "suspended" from school, which means a more serious and official halt to their normal activities. "Defer" is usually a less severe form of delay and doesn't carry the same connotation of a full - blown stoppage.
Put off
- Similarity: "Put off" is an informal way of saying "defer" or "postpone". For example, "I put off doing my homework until later" is similar to "I deferred doing my homework until later". They both express the idea of delaying an activity.
- Difference: "Put off" is a more casual expression and is more likely to be used in spoken English or in less formal writing. "Defer" is more formal and may be used in business, legal, or academic contexts more often.