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B2 verb #44 最常用 15分钟阅读

defer

前44

At the A1 level, the word 'defer' is quite advanced and not usually taught. However, we can understand it in a very simple way. Imagine you have a task to do, like cleaning your room. If you decide to do it tomorrow instead of today, you are 'deferring' it. It is like saying 'not now, but later.' In simple English, we usually say 'put off' or 'wait.' For example, 'I will defer my homework' means 'I will do my homework later.' Another way to use it is when you listen to someone because they know more than you. If your teacher says something, you 'defer' to them because they are the boss of the classroom. You follow their rules. This word is formal, so you won't hear it much in basic conversations. Most A1 learners will use 'wait' or 'follow.' But if you see 'defer' in a book, just think 'later' or 'respect.' It is a useful word to know as you get better at English because it makes you sound very polite and smart. Even though it is a big word, the idea is simple: either you change the time of something, or you let someone else decide because you respect them. Think of a traffic light. When it is red, you 'defer' your driving until it turns green. You wait for the right time. When a police officer tells you to stop, you 'defer' to their authority. You do what they say because they are in charge. These are the two basic ways we use 'defer.' As you learn more English, you will see this word in school or at work. For now, just remember: Defer = Later or Respect.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more formal words. 'Defer' is a verb that you might see in school or in a simple office job. It has two main meanings. First, it means to postpone something. Postpone is another word for 'do it later.' For example, if you have a meeting at 10:00 but you are busy, you might defer the meeting until 2:00. You are moving the time. We often use this with things like 'payments' or 'decisions.' If you don't have enough money today, you might ask to defer your payment until next week. The second meaning is to yield to someone. 'Yield' means to let someone else have their way because you respect them or they are the expert. We use the word 'to' with this meaning. For example, 'I defer to my doctor.' This means I listen to my doctor and do what they say because they know more about health than I do. It is a very polite way to show respect. In A2 English, you might use 'delay' or 'agree with,' but 'defer' is a more professional choice. When you write 'defer,' remember the spelling: d-e-f-e-r. If you are talking about the past, it is 'deferred' with two 'r's. This is a common rule in English when the last part of the word is stressed. Learning 'defer' will help you understand formal letters and emails. If a university says they will 'defer your admission,' it means you can start your classes at a later date. This is very common for students who want to take a year off. So, 'defer' is about time and about respect. It's a great word to add to your vocabulary to sound more advanced.

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'defer' in specific contexts, especially in professional or academic writing. This word is a CEFR B2 level word, but B1 students can start using it to replace simpler phrases like 'put off' or 'give in to.' The first meaning, to postpone, is very common in business. You might defer a project, defer a decision, or defer a payment. It implies that the delay is intentional and often strategic. For example, 'The manager decided to defer the announcement until all the data was collected.' This sounds much more professional than 'The manager decided to wait to tell everyone.' The second meaning, to yield out of respect, is often used in discussions. When you say 'I defer to your judgment,' you are acknowledging that the other person has more experience or authority in that specific area. It is a very useful phrase in team meetings. It allows you to disagree politely or to step back and let an expert take the lead. Grammatically, remember that 'defer' is transitive when it means postpone ('I deferred the task') and intransitive with 'to' when it means yield ('I deferred to him'). You should also be aware of the noun forms: 'deferment' or 'deferral' for the time-related meaning, and 'deference' for the respect-related meaning. For example, 'The student was granted a deferment' versus 'He showed great deference to the judge.' At the B1 level, using 'defer' correctly will significantly improve the tone of your formal communication. It shows that you understand the nuances of professional etiquette and project management. Practice using it in sentences about your studies or your work to become more comfortable with its dual nature.

As a B2 level word, 'defer' is a key part of your vocabulary for academic and professional success. At this level, you are expected to understand the subtle differences between 'defer' and its synonyms like 'postpone' or 'yield.' When you defer an action, you are not just delaying it; you are often doing so for a specific, calculated reason. For instance, in finance, 'deferred tax' is a specific term for taxes that will be paid at a later date. In university admissions, a 'deferred' status means the university wants to see more of your grades before making a final decision. These are precise uses of the word that go beyond simple delay. The second sense—yielding to authority—is equally important at the B2 level. It is a marker of sophisticated social interaction. Using 'defer to' shows that you can navigate hierarchies and acknowledge expertise without sounding weak. It is a common feature of academic discourse, where researchers defer to the findings of previous studies or to the authority of established experts. You should also be comfortable with the word family, including 'deference' (noun), 'deferential' (adjective), and 'deferentially' (adverb). For example, 'She spoke in a deferential tone to the CEO.' This shows you can adapt the word into different parts of speech. A common challenge at B2 is avoiding confusion with 'differ' or 'deter.' Remember that 'defer' is about time and respect. In your writing, try to use 'defer' when 'postpone' feels too simple or when you want to emphasize the respect you have for someone's opinion. This will add a layer of formality and precision to your English that is characteristic of the B2 level.

At the C1 level, you should have a deep and nuanced understanding of 'defer' in all its forms and contexts. You should be able to use it effortlessly in complex sentences and understand its implications in legal, financial, and philosophical texts. In legal contexts, 'deference' is a crucial concept, referring to the extent to which a court will yield to the decisions or interpretations of another body, such as an administrative agency or a lower court. Understanding 'judicial deference' is essential for comprehending high-level legal arguments. In finance, you will encounter 'deferred compensation' or 'deferred revenue,' which are technical terms describing specific accounting practices. You should be able to explain these concepts using the word 'defer' accurately. Furthermore, at the C1 level, you should appreciate the rhetorical power of 'deferring.' In a debate, deferring to an opponent on a minor point can be a strategic move to gain credibility or to focus the argument on more important issues. You should also be able to use the adjective 'deferential' to describe complex social dynamics, noting when someone is being genuinely respectful versus when they are being overly submissive or 'obsequious.' The etymology of the word—from the Latin 'differre'—is also relevant here, as it explains the historical link between 'deferring' (carrying over to another time) and 'differing' (carrying apart). Your ability to use 'defer' in its various shades of meaning, from the strategic postponement of a corporate merger to the subtle yielding in a diplomatic negotiation, marks your transition into advanced proficiency. You should also be able to identify and correct subtle misuses of the word in others' writing, such as the incorrect use of 'deference' for 'deferment.'

At the C2 level, 'defer' is a word you use with total precision, often in highly specialized or literary contexts. You understand that 'deferring' is not merely about time or respect, but can be a profound philosophical or strategic stance. For instance, you might discuss the 'deferral of meaning' in post-structuralist philosophy (like Derrida's 'différance'), where the final meaning of a word is always postponed and dependent on other words. This is a highly abstract application of the 'postpone' sense. In the realm of high-stakes diplomacy, you might analyze how a nation 'defers' its sovereignty to an international body, exploring the complex implications of such a move. You are also sensitive to the 'register' of the word; you know that 'defer' can sound archaic or overly formal in some modern contexts, and you can use this to create a specific tone in your writing or speech. You might use it to evoke a sense of old-world courtesy or to mock someone's excessive subservience. Your command of the word family is complete, and you can use 'deferential' and 'deference' to describe the most subtle nuances of human behavior. You might write about the 'deferential silence' of a crowd or the 'deferment of hope' in a tragic novel. At this level, you also recognize the word's presence in idioms and fixed expressions across different varieties of English. You can distinguish between the 'deferral' of a dream (as in Langston Hughes' poetry) and the 'deferment' of a draft notice. Your use of 'defer' is not just grammatically correct; it is stylistically sophisticated, contributing to a rich, layered, and authoritative command of the English language. You see 'defer' as a tool for navigating the complexities of time, power, and meaning with elegance and precision.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

defer 30秒了解

Defer means to postpone something to a later time, often used in formal or professional contexts like business or university admissions.
It also means to yield to someone else's opinion or authority as a sign of respect or acknowledgment of their expertise.
When meaning 'postpone,' it is a transitive verb; when meaning 'yield,' it is used with the preposition 'to.'
Common noun forms include 'deferment' or 'deferral' for delays, and 'deference' for showing respect to others.

The word defer is a versatile and sophisticated verb that functions in two primary conceptual domains: the management of time and the management of interpersonal or professional authority. At its core, to defer is to move something—whether that be an action, a decision, or a realization—from the present moment to a future point in time. This is the sense most commonly encountered in bureaucratic, financial, and academic settings. For instance, a student might defer their enrollment in a university, or a corporation might defer tax payments to the next fiscal year. This usage implies a deliberate choice to wait, often for strategic or necessary reasons, rather than a simple delay caused by external obstacles.

Temporal Postponement: In this context, defer means to put off or delay. It is often used with objects like 'decisions,' 'payments,' 'actions,' or 'admissions.' It suggests a formal or planned delay rather than an accidental one.

The second major meaning of defer involves a social or intellectual yielding. When you defer to someone, you are acknowledging their superior knowledge, authority, or status. This is not necessarily an act of submission in a negative sense, but rather a sign of respect or a pragmatic recognition of expertise. In a medical setting, a general practitioner might defer to a specialist's opinion regarding a complex diagnosis. In a legal setting, a lower court might defer to the precedent set by a higher court. This usage is almost always followed by the preposition 'to,' creating the phrasal structure 'defer to [someone/something].'

Because she was the senior architect on the project, the rest of the team decided to defer to her judgment regarding the structural materials.

Respectful Yielding: This sense describes the act of submitting to another's wishes or opinion out of respect. It is a key component of professional etiquette and hierarchical communication.

Understanding the distinction between these two meanings is crucial for mastery of the word. While they seem different, they share an underlying theme of 'stepping back.' In the first sense, you step back from a timeline; in the second, you step back from your own opinion to let another's take precedence. This word is highly valued in professional writing because it conveys a level of formality and precision that 'put off' or 'give in' lacks. It suggests a thoughtful, reasoned approach to both time management and social interaction.

The accountant advised the client to defer the recognition of income until the following year to minimize tax liability.

In matters of fashion, I usually defer to my sister, who has a much better eye for color than I do.

The board of directors voted to defer the expansion project until the economic climate improved.

Even though he disagreed with the strategy, he chose to defer to the majority's decision for the sake of team unity.

Etymological Connection: The word comes from the Latin 'differre,' which means to carry apart, put off, or delay. This is the same root that gives us 'differ,' though the meanings have diverged significantly over centuries.

In summary, 'defer' is a word of high utility in professional, academic, and formal social spheres. It allows the speaker to describe delays and acts of respect with a level of precision and dignity that simpler synonyms cannot match. Whether you are managing a project timeline or navigating a complex social hierarchy, 'defer' provides the linguistic nuance necessary to communicate your intentions clearly and professionally. Its dual nature makes it a fascinating study in how language can bridge the gap between the physical reality of time and the abstract reality of human relationships.

Using defer correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical patterns, which differ depending on the intended meaning. When you are using the word to mean 'postpone,' it is a transitive verb. This means it takes a direct object. You defer something. Common objects include nouns like 'payment,' 'decision,' 'judgment,' 'action,' or 'gratification.' For example, 'The company decided to defer the launch of the new product.' In this sentence, 'the launch' is the direct object of the verb 'defer.' This structure is straightforward and follows the standard Subject-Verb-Object pattern of English.

Transitive Usage (Postpone): Subject + Defer + Direct Object. Example: 'The judge will defer the sentencing until next week.'

When using defer to mean 'yield' or 'show respect,' the grammar changes. In this sense, 'defer' is an intransitive verb that is almost always paired with the preposition 'to.' The pattern is 'defer to [someone or something].' The object of the preposition 'to' is the person or entity whose authority or opinion you are accepting. For example, 'I defer to your expertise in this matter.' Here, the speaker is not postponing anything; rather, they are allowing the other person's expertise to guide the situation. This is a very common construction in professional debates and collaborative environments.

The committee will defer the final vote until all members have had a chance to review the report.

Intransitive Usage (Yield): Subject + Defer + To + Person/Authority. Example: 'New employees often defer to the senior staff for guidance.'

Another important aspect of using 'defer' is its participial and noun forms. The present participle, 'deferring,' can be used as a gerund or an adjective. For instance, 'Deferring the decision was a mistake.' The noun form is 'deference,' which specifically relates to the 'yielding' sense of the verb. To 'show deference' is to act in a way that acknowledges another's superiority or importance. Interestingly, the noun form for the 'postpone' sense is usually 'deferment' or 'deferral.' Understanding these variations helps in building more complex and accurate sentences.

Many students choose to defer their university entry for a year to travel or work.

The pilot decided to defer to the air traffic controller's instructions despite the delay.

It is often wise to defer gratification in the short term to achieve long-term goals.

The government may defer the implementation of the new law until public concerns are addressed.

Common Collocations: 'Defer a decision,' 'defer to authority,' 'defer payment,' 'defer to the expert,' 'defer indefinitely.'

In academic writing, 'defer' is often used to describe the limitations of a study or to acknowledge the work of other scholars. For example, 'We defer a more detailed analysis of this phenomenon to a future paper.' This demonstrates a professional modesty and a clear understanding of the scope of one's work. In everyday conversation, the word is less common but still appears in formal contexts, such as when discussing financial planning or navigating office politics. By mastering both the transitive and intransitive uses, you can navigate these diverse communicative landscapes with confidence and precision.

You are most likely to encounter the word defer in professional, legal, and academic environments. In the corporate world, it is a staple of meetings and official communications. Managers and executives use it to manage expectations and timelines. For example, during a budget meeting, you might hear someone say, 'We need to defer the marketing spend until the third quarter.' This sounds more professional and strategic than saying 'we'll wait' or 'we'll do it later.' It implies a calculated decision based on financial forecasting. Similarly, in HR contexts, a candidate might be told that their start date has been deferred due to administrative delays.

The Boardroom: In business, 'defer' is the language of strategy. It is used to discuss the timing of investments, the recognition of revenue, and the delegation of authority.

In the legal system, defer is a technical term with specific implications. Judges often defer sentencing to allow for the preparation of pre-sentence reports. Courts may defer to the expertise of administrative agencies when interpreting complex regulations—a concept known in American law as 'Chevron deference' (though this specific legal doctrine has recently seen significant changes). When you hear a lawyer say, 'We ask the court to defer its ruling,' they are making a formal request for more time to present evidence or arguments. In this context, the word carries the weight of law and procedural formality.

The university allows students to defer their admission for up to one year, provided they submit a formal request.

The Courtroom: Legal professionals use 'defer' to describe the postponement of proceedings or the judicial respect given to other branches of government or lower courts.

Academia is another primary habitat for this word. University admissions offices frequently deal with 'deferrals.' A student who is accepted but wants to take a gap year will ask to defer their entry. In research, scholars defer to the foundational work of pioneers in their field. You might read in a journal article, 'While this study focuses on X, we defer to Smith (2020) for a comprehensive treatment of Y.' This usage establishes a hierarchy of knowledge and shows that the author is well-versed in the existing literature. It is a mark of academic rigor and humility.

The CEO decided to defer to the CTO's recommendation regarding the new cybersecurity protocol.

During the debate, the moderator asked the candidates to defer their closing statements until after the final round of questions.

The homeowner was able to defer mortgage payments for three months due to financial hardship.

In many cultures, it is traditional to defer to the eldest family member during important discussions.

Financial Services: Banks and lenders use 'defer' when discussing loan modifications, interest accrual, and payment holidays.

Finally, you might hear 'defer' in the context of international relations and diplomacy. Countries may defer action on a treaty or defer to the mediation of a third party like the United Nations. In these high-stakes environments, the word provides a way to maintain progress without forcing an immediate, potentially explosive confrontation. Whether it's a student, a CEO, a judge, or a diplomat, the people who use 'defer' are typically those navigating structured systems where time and authority are carefully managed. Recognizing this word in these contexts will help you better understand the underlying dynamics of the conversation.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with defer is confusing it with its phonetic neighbor, differ. While they sound somewhat similar, their meanings are entirely unrelated. 'Differ' means to be unlike or to disagree, whereas 'defer' means to postpone or yield. A common error is writing 'I differ to your opinion' when the intended meaning is 'I defer to your opinion.' To avoid this, remember that 'defer' often involves a delay or a 'deep' respect (both starting with 'de-'), while 'differ' is about being 'different.'

Defer vs. Differ: Error: 'The results differ from my expectations.' (Correct) / 'I differ the meeting.' (Incorrect - should be 'defer').

Another common pitfall involves the preposition 'to.' As mentioned previously, when 'defer' means to yield or show respect, it must be followed by 'to.' Learners often omit this, saying things like 'I defer your expertise' instead of 'I defer to your expertise.' Conversely, when using 'defer' to mean 'postpone,' you should not use 'to.' Saying 'I will defer to the meeting' when you mean you will postpone the meeting is incorrect and confusing, as it suggests you are yielding to the meeting's authority rather than changing its time.

Incorrect: He decided to defer to his taxes until next month. (Should be: 'defer his taxes')

Preposition Confusion: Remember: Defer [something] = Postpone. Defer TO [someone] = Yield/Respect.

There is also a subtle mistake regarding the noun forms. 'Deference' and 'deferment' (or 'deferral') are not interchangeable. 'Deference' is the noun for showing respect (e.g., 'He treated the elder with great deference'). 'Deferment' is the noun for a postponement (e.g., 'She was granted a deferment of her student loan'). Using 'deference' when you mean a delay in payment will sound very odd to a native speaker. It's important to match the noun form to the specific sense of the verb you are using.

Incorrect: The student asked for a deference of his start date. (Should be: 'deferment' or 'deferral')

Incorrect: I deterred the decision until I had more facts. (Should be: 'deferred')

Incorrect: We deferred from the original plan. (Should be: 'differed' or 'deviated')

Incorrect: She deferred the expert's advice. (Should be: 'deferred TO the expert's advice')

Confusion with 'Deter': 'Deter' means to stop or discourage. 'The high price deterred him from buying the car.' This is very different from 'deferring' a purchase.

Finally, some learners use 'defer' as a synonym for 'delay' in all situations. While they are related, 'defer' usually implies a formal or intentional postponement. You wouldn't typically say 'the traffic deferred me' (you'd use 'delayed'). 'Defer' is best reserved for decisions, payments, and formal actions. By being mindful of these distinctions—spelling, prepositions, noun forms, and appropriate context—you can avoid the most common errors and use 'defer' with the precision of a native speaker.

Because defer has two distinct meanings, it has two distinct sets of synonyms and alternatives. For the 'postpone' sense, common alternatives include delay, put off, suspend, stay, and shelve. 'Delay' is the most general term and can be used for both intentional and unintentional lateness. 'Put off' is the informal equivalent of 'defer.' 'Suspend' and 'stay' are often used in legal or official contexts (e.g., 'stay of execution'). 'Shelve' is a great idiomatic alternative that implies putting a project or idea aside for a long time, possibly forever.

Postponement Comparisons

Postpone: Neutral, formal. 'We postponed the picnic.'
Defer: Formal, often strategic. 'We deferred the investment.'
Shelve: Informal/Business. 'They shelved the plans for the new wing.'

For the 'yield' sense of defer, synonyms include yield, submit, accede, bow, and capitulate. 'Yield' is the closest general synonym. 'Submit' often carries a stronger sense of being forced or having no choice. 'Accede' is very formal and often used in the context of agreeing to a request or treaty. 'Bow to' is a more figurative way of saying you are yielding to pressure or authority (e.g., 'bow to public pressure'). 'Capitulate' is much stronger and usually implies a complete surrender after a struggle.

Instead of making a hasty choice, the board decided to postpone the decision until the next meeting.

Yielding Comparisons

Yield: General. 'He yielded to the pressure.'
Defer: Respectful. 'I defer to your wisdom.'
Capitulate: Negative/Surrender. 'The rebels capitulated after the siege.'

Choosing the right alternative depends on the 'register' (level of formality) and the specific nuance you want to convey. If you want to sound respectful and professional, 'defer' is usually the best choice. If you are talking about a simple delay caused by rain, 'postpone' or 'delay' is better. If you want to emphasize that you are giving in to someone because they are the boss, 'defer to' is perfect. If you want to imply that you are giving in because you were defeated, 'capitulate' or 'submit' would be more accurate.

The CEO chose to accede to the union's demands to avoid a strike.

The government had to suspend the project due to a lack of funding.

He was forced to bow to the inevitable and resign from his position.

The team decided to shelve the experimental design for the time being.

Antonyms: Opposites of 'defer' (postpone) include 'expedite,' 'advance,' or 'hasten.' Opposites of 'defer to' (yield) include 'challenge,' 'defy,' or 'disregard.'

In conclusion, while 'defer' is a powerful and specific word, knowing its synonyms allows you to tailor your language to your audience. Whether you need the formal weight of 'accede,' the strategic nuance of 'shelve,' or the simple clarity of 'postpone,' understanding the landscape of related words will make you a more effective communicator. Always consider the context—are you talking about a clock or a person?—and choose the word that best fits the relationship and the timeline you are describing.

How Formal Is It?

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俚语

趣味小知识

Although 'defer' and 'differ' come from the same Latin root 'differre', they split in meaning during the Middle Ages. 'Differ' took the sense of 'being different', while 'defer' took the sense of 'postponing' and 'yielding'.

发音指南

UK /dɪˈfɜː(r)/

US /dɪˈfɝː/

The stress is on the second syllable: de-FER.

押韵词

refer prefer infer confer deter transfer occur blur

常见错误

Pronouncing it like 'differ' (stress on the first syllable).
Pronouncing the 'e' in the first syllable too clearly (it should be a reduced 'i' or schwa).
Failing to double the 'r' when adding suffixes (deferred, deferring).
Confusing the pronunciation with 'deter' (which has a 't' sound).
Over-emphasizing the 'r' in non-rhotic accents.

难度评级

阅读 7/5

Common in news and academic texts, but the dual meaning can be tricky.

写作 8/5

Requires knowledge of specific prepositions and noun forms.

口语 6/5

Useful in professional meetings to sound polite and sophisticated.

听力 7/5

Must be distinguished from 'differ' in fast speech.

接下来学什么

前置知识

postpone delay respect authority yield

接下来学习

accede capitulate expedite precedent discretion

高级

différance obsequious acquiesce procrastinate remit

需要掌握的语法

Doubling final consonants

Defer -> Deferred (because the stress is on the last syllable).

Transitive vs. Intransitive verbs

Defer the meeting (transitive) vs. Defer to the boss (intransitive).

Prepositional verbs

Defer + to is a fixed combination for the 'yield' meaning.

Gerunds as objects

He deferred making the call (using a gerund after the verb).

Noun suffixes -ment vs -ence

Deferment (action of delaying) vs Deference (quality of respect).

按水平分级的例句

I will defer my homework until tomorrow.

I will do my homework later.

Simple future tense with 'will'.

Please defer the meeting.

Please make the meeting later.

Imperative sentence.

I defer to my teacher.

I listen to my teacher because they are the boss.

Uses the preposition 'to'.

We can defer the game.

We can play the game later.

Modal verb 'can' + base verb.

He will defer his trip.

He will go on his trip later.

Subject + will + verb.

They defer to the doctor.

They do what the doctor says.

Present simple tense.

Do not defer your work.

Do not do your work later; do it now.

Negative imperative.

I defer to you.

I let you decide.

Short, common phrase.

The bank will defer your payment for one month.

The bank says you can pay later.

Transitive use with 'payment'.

I usually defer to my parents' advice.

I follow what my parents say because I respect them.

Adverb 'usually' modifies the verb.

We decided to defer the party because of the rain.

We moved the party to a later date.

Infinitive phrase 'to defer'.

She wants to defer her university start date.

She wants to start university later.

Verb + object phrase.

The judge will defer the decision until Friday.

The judge will decide later.

Future tense with 'will'.

In this matter, I defer to the expert.

I let the expert decide because they know more.

Prepositional phrase 'In this matter'.

Can we defer the discussion until tomorrow?

Can we talk about this later?

Interrogative with 'can'.

He chose to defer his retirement.

He chose to work longer and retire later.

Past simple 'chose' + infinitive.

The company had to defer the project due to budget cuts.

The project was postponed because there was no money.

Past simple with 'had to'.

I will defer to your superior knowledge of the subject.

I'll let you lead because you know more than I do.

Future tense with 'will' + 'to'.

The committee voted to defer the final vote until next month.

They decided to wait before making the final choice.

Verb + infinitive + object.

Many students defer their entry to travel during a gap year.

Students wait a year before starting college to see the world.

Present simple for general truths.

The payment was deferred until the end of the fiscal year.

The money will be paid at the end of the year.

Passive voice 'was deferred'.

I'm happy to defer to the group's consensus.

I will agree with what everyone else thinks.

Adjective 'happy' + infinitive.

You should not defer making important life decisions.

Don't wait to make big choices.

Modal 'should not' + verb + gerund.

The government decided to defer the new tax law.

The government put off the new law for now.

Subject + verb + infinitive.

The accountant suggested we defer the recognition of revenue.

The accountant said we should record the income later.

Subjunctive-like structure after 'suggested'.

It is often wise to defer to the judgment of experienced colleagues.

It's smart to listen to people who have worked longer.

Expletive 'it' construction.

The court may defer sentencing to allow for a psychiatric evaluation.

The judge might wait to give the punishment.

Modal 'may' + verb + noun.

She was granted a deferral of her student loan payments.

She was allowed to pay her loans later.

Noun form 'deferral'.

The diplomat chose to defer the sensitive issue to a later meeting.

The diplomat avoided the difficult topic for now.

Transitive use with 'issue'.

In matters of style, I always defer to my sister's taste.

I always let my sister choose because she has good style.

Adverb 'always' for frequency.

The project was deferred indefinitely due to lack of interest.

The project was put off forever because no one cared.

Passive voice + adverb 'indefinitely'.

The athlete decided to defer his professional career to finish college.

He waited to turn pro so he could graduate.

Infinitive of purpose 'to finish'.

The doctrine of judicial deference requires courts to respect legislative intent.

Courts must follow what the lawmakers intended.

Noun 'deference' in a legal context.

We shall defer a detailed analysis of these findings to a subsequent paper.

We will do the deep study in the next article.

Formal 'shall' + transitive verb.

The CEO's deferential attitude toward the board was noted by the press.

The CEO was very respectful to the board members.

Adjective 'deferential'.

Deferred compensation plans can offer significant tax advantages for executives.

Paying bosses later can save them money on taxes.

Compound noun 'deferred compensation'.

He chose to defer to the wisdom of the ages rather than follow modern trends.

He followed old traditions instead of new fashions.

Metaphorical use of 'wisdom of the ages'.

The realization of his dream was deferred, but never completely abandoned.

His dream was delayed, but he didn't give up.

Passive voice 'was deferred'.

The agency will defer to the local authorities on matters of zoning.

The big agency will let the local city decide about land use.

Future tense + 'to' + 'local authorities'.

The complexity of the situation forced the mediators to defer the talks.

The situation was so hard they had to stop the meetings for now.

Verb + object + infinitive.

The protagonist's constant deferral of responsibility leads to his eventual downfall.

The main character's habit of putting off duties ruins him.

Noun 'deferral' as a character trait.

In the realm of semiotics, the signifier's meaning is perpetually deferred.

In the study of signs, meaning is always being pushed away.

Philosophical/Academic usage.

The treaty was signed, but the implementation of key clauses was deferred pending further negotiation.

The treaty started, but the main parts were put off for more talks.

Complex sentence with 'pending'.

She acted with a level of deference that bordered on the hagiographic.

She was so respectful it was like she was praising a saint.

Advanced vocabulary 'hagiographic'.

The central bank's decision to defer interest rate hikes surprised the markets.

The bank's choice to wait on raising rates was unexpected.

Infinitive phrase as a noun complement.

One must often defer to the exigencies of the moment in a crisis.

You have to do what the situation requires when there is an emergency.

Formal 'one' + 'exigencies'.

The artist's work is a meditation on the deferment of desire in modern society.

The art is about how we wait for what we want today.

Noun 'deferment' in an artistic context.

He deferentially declined the invitation, citing prior commitments.

He said no very politely because he was busy.

Adverb 'deferentially'.

常见搭配

defer a decision

defer to authority

defer payment

defer to the expert

defer admission

defer judgment

defer indefinitely

defer to someone's wishes

deferred tax

defer sentencing

常用短语

I defer to you

Defer gratification

Deferred action

Defer to the chair

Deferred revenue

Defer to the majority

Defer to precedent

Deferred maintenance

Defer to the specialist

Defer a vote

容易混淆的词

defer vs differ

Differ means to be different or disagree. Defer means to postpone or yield.

defer vs deter

Deter means to discourage or prevent. Defer means to delay or respect.

defer vs refer

Refer means to mention or direct someone to information. Defer is about time or authority.

习语与表达

"Defer to one's elders"

To show respect and obedience to older people in a community or family.

In many traditional societies, it is essential to defer to one's elders.

formal/traditional

"A dream deferred"

A goal or hope that has been put off, often leading to frustration or social tension.

What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?

literary

"Defer to the inevitable"

To stop resisting something that is certain to happen.

The company finally had to defer to the inevitable and declare bankruptcy.

formal

"Defer to the better judgment of"

To yield to someone who is perceived to have more wisdom or sense.

I will defer to the better judgment of my legal counsel.

formal

"Defer to the facts"

To change one's opinion or plan based on new, objective information.

We must defer to the facts, even if they contradict our initial theory.

academic/professional

"Defer to the will of the people"

For a leader to follow what the majority of citizens want.

The politician promised to defer to the will of the people.

political

"Defer to the experts"

To rely on professional knowledge rather than personal opinion.

When it comes to climate change, we should defer to the experts.

general

"Defer to the court"

To accept the legal authority and decision of a judge.

The defendant chose to defer to the court's ruling.

legal

"Defer to the boss"

To let the manager make the final call, often to avoid responsibility or conflict.

I'm not sure about this, so I'll defer to the boss.

informal/professional

"Defer to the rules"

To follow established guidelines rather than making an exception.

We must defer to the rules of the competition.

formal

容易混淆

defer vs differ

They sound very similar and share the same Latin root.

Differ is about contrast or disagreement ('We differ on this point'). Defer is about timing or respect ('I defer to your point'). Differ has the stress on the first syllable; Defer has it on the second.

Our opinions differ, so I will defer to your final decision.

defer vs deter

Both are verbs starting with 'de-' and ending in '-er'.

Deter is about stopping an action through fear or doubt ('The dog deters burglars'). Defer is about moving an action to a later time ('We deferred the construction').

The high cost might deter them, but they decided to just defer the purchase.

defer vs defy

Both start with 'de-' and relate to authority.

Defy is the opposite of deferring to someone. Defy means to challenge or disobey ('He defied the order'). Defer means to yield or respect ('He deferred to the order').

Instead of deferring to the rules, he chose to defy them.

defer vs procrastinate

Both involve delaying an action.

Procrastinate has a negative connotation of laziness or avoidance ('I procrastinated on my essay'). Defer is more neutral or positive, implying a strategic or formal delay ('The student deferred his essay with permission').

Don't procrastinate; if you need more time, ask to defer the deadline.

defer vs reverence

Sounds like 'deference' and both involve respect.

Reverence is a deep, almost religious awe or worship ('reverence for nature'). Deference is a more practical, social, or professional yielding to authority ('deference to the judge').

He showed deference to the priest out of reverence for the church.

句型

I will defer [task].

I will defer my work.

We can defer the [event] until [time].

We can defer the meeting until tomorrow.

I defer to your [noun].

I defer to your expertise.

The [noun] was deferred due to [reason].

The project was deferred due to budget cuts.

Showing deference to [authority].

He showed great deference to the professor.

The perpetual deferral of [abstract noun].

The perpetual deferral of justice is a tragedy.

It is advisable to defer [gerund].

It is advisable to defer making a final decision.

A [adjective] deferment of [noun].

A strategic deferment of tax liabilities.

词族

名词

动词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

Common in business, law, and academia; rare in casual street slang.

常见错误

I differ to your expertise. → I defer to your expertise.
You are yielding to them, not being different from them. Use 'defer.'
We deferred to the meeting until Friday. → We deferred the meeting until Friday.
When postponing an event, do not use the preposition 'to.'
He showed great deferment to his boss. → He showed great deference to his boss.
'Deferment' is for delays; 'deference' is for respect.
I am defering my start date. → I am deferring my start date.
You must double the 'r' when adding -ing or -ed.
The rain deferred our plans. → The rain delayed our plans.
'Defer' usually implies a human decision, not an act of nature.

小贴士

The 'To' Rule

Always use 'to' when you are yielding to a person. Never use 'to' when you are postponing a task. This is the most common mistake.

Formal Tone

Use 'defer' instead of 'put off' in business emails. It makes you sound more professional and in control of your schedule.

Double the R

Remember: deferred, deferring. The double 'r' is essential for correct spelling in formal writing.

Showing Respect

In a meeting, saying 'I'll defer to [Name] on this' is a great way to build allies and show you value your colleagues' expertise.

Gap Years

If you are applying to college, use the word 'deferral' when asking to start a year later. It is the standard term used by admissions offices.

Tax Strategy

When reading about finance, 'tax-deferred' means you pay the taxes later, which is usually a good thing for your savings.

Listen for Stress

If the speaker stresses the end of the word (de-FER), they mean postpone or yield. If they stress the start (DIF-fer), they mean contrast.

The 'D' and 'R'

D-E-F-E-R: Delay Everything For Every Reason. (A silly way to remember the 'postpone' meaning!)

Avoid 'Deter'

Don't say 'I deferred him from leaving.' Say 'I deterred him from leaving.' Defer is for things, deter is for people's actions.

Noun Choice

Use 'deference' for the feeling of respect and 'deferment' for the act of delaying. They are not the same!

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'DE-FER' as 'DELAY-FURTHER'. The 'DE' stands for Delay, and 'FER' sounds like Further. You are delaying something further into the future.

视觉联想

Imagine a person holding a 'STOP' sign in one hand (postponing) and bowing their head to a king in the other (yielding).

Word Web

postpone delay yield respect authority decision payment admission

挑战

Try to use 'defer' in two different ways in one paragraph: once to mean 'postpone' and once to mean 'yield to someone'.

词源

Derived from the Middle French 'différer' and directly from the Latin 'differre'.

原始含义： In Latin, 'dis-' (apart) + 'ferre' (to carry). It literally meant 'to carry apart' or 'to put off'.

It belongs to the Indo-European family, specifically the Italic branch (Latin).

文化背景

Be careful not to confuse 'deference' with 'weakness.' In professional settings, deferring is often a sign of high emotional intelligence and strategic thinking.

In the US and UK, 'deferring' a university place is a common way to take a gap year. It is seen as a positive, maturity-building choice.

Langston Hughes' poem 'Harlem' (What happens to a dream deferred?) The legal doctrine of 'Chevron Deference' in the United States. The 'Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals' (DACA) policy.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Business Meetings

Let's defer this item to the next agenda.
I defer to the finance team on this.
Can we defer the launch?
We need to defer our decision.

University Admissions

I'd like to defer my enrollment.
My application was deferred.
Request a one-year deferral.
Deferred entry program.

Legal Proceedings

The judge deferred the sentence.
Defer to the higher court.
A motion to defer.
Judicial deference.

Financial Planning

Tax-deferred savings account.
Defer mortgage payments.
Deferred interest period.
Deferred compensation package.

Personal Relationships

I defer to your taste in music.
She always defers to her brother.
Deferring to someone's wishes.
Showing deference to elders.

对话开场白

"Do you think it's better to defer big life decisions or make them quickly?"

"In your culture, is it common to defer to the oldest person in the room?"

"Have you ever had to defer a dream or a goal? What happened?"

"When working in a team, when do you usually defer to others?"

"If you could defer one responsibility for a year, what would it be?"

日记主题

Reflect on a time you deferred to someone else's judgment. Was it the right choice?

Write about a project or plan you had to defer. How did the delay affect the outcome?

How does the ability to defer gratification impact long-term success in your career?

Discuss the importance of deference in maintaining social harmony in your community.

Analyze a situation where you refused to defer to authority. What were the consequences?

常见问题

10 个问题

Yes, but you must use the preposition 'to.' For example, 'I defer to you.' This means you are letting the other person make the decision or speak first because you respect them.

Mostly, yes, but 'defer' is more formal and usually implies a deliberate choice. You wouldn't say 'the rain deferred the game' as naturally as 'the rain delayed the game.' 'Defer' is better for decisions and payments.

They are very similar and often interchangeable. 'Deferment' is more common in official contexts like 'military deferment' or 'loan deferment.' 'Deferral' is often used in university admissions ('an admission deferral').

No. It only means respect when used as 'defer to.' When used as 'defer [something],' it simply means to postpone it.

It is spelled 'deferred' with two 'r's. This is because the stress is on the second syllable of the base word 'defer.'

Usually, it is neutral or positive. However, 'deferring' a decision too many times can be seen as a lack of leadership or avoidance.

It refers to a policy where the government decides not to take legal action (like deportation) against a person for a certain period.

Yes, it is used in the same way in both British and American English, especially in formal and professional settings.

It is a psychological term for waiting for a bigger reward later instead of taking a small reward now. For example, saving money instead of spending it.

No. You should say 'I differ from your opinion' (meaning you disagree) or 'I defer to your opinion' (meaning you yield to it).