1. Deferred (verb): To postpone or delay an action or event to a later time.
2. Deferred (adjective): Withheld or set aside for future action or resolution.
3. Deferred (noun): A state of being delayed or postponed.

The term "deferred" carries significant meanings, often associated with postponing, delaying, or setting something aside temporarily. It finds usage in financial, academic, and general contexts, underscoring its versatility. Whether referring to payments, decisions, or other actions, understanding "deferred" provides clarity in communication.

"Deferred" Definition: What Does "Deferred" Mean?

The word "deferred" reflects the concept of delay or postponement and finds relevance in various industries and daily conversations. Let’s explore its primary meanings in detail.

Definition of "Deferred": Postponed

"Deferred" is commonly used when something is intentionally delayed, such as a decision or action.

Definition of "Deferred": Withheld Temporarily

In certain contexts, "deferred" refers to something that is intentionally set aside for a specific purpose or resolved at a later stage.

Definition of "Deferred": Postponed State

This usage often describes something currently on hold or paused.

Parts of Speech

The term "deferred" functions as both an adjective and a verb, depending on its usage. It is a past tense and past participle form of the verb "defer," and as an adjective, it describes a postponed or delayed state. As a verb, it is less commonly encountered in casual contexts, but it is frequently used in professional and academic writing.

How to Pronounce "Deferred"?

The word "deferred" is pronounced as "dih-FERD." It has two syllables, with the emphasis placed on the second syllable. The first syllable, "dih," sounds like the first part of the word "dinner" but shorter and softer. The second syllable, "FERD," rhymes with "bird" and is pronounced with a clear emphasis. When saying "deferred," ensure the stress is on the second syllable, making the "FERD" sound prominent and distinct.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɜrd/

Synonyms of "Deferred": Other Ways to Say "Deferred"

There are many synonyms that convey the essence of "deferred."

• Postponed
• Delayed
• Withheld
• Adjourned
• Procrastinated
• Stalled
• Rescheduled

Antonyms of "Deferred": Other Ways to Say "Deferred"

To express the opposite of "deferred," consider the following antonyms:

• Advanced
• Expedited
• Accelerated
• Completed
• Resolved
• Carried out

Examples of "Deferred" in a Sentence

Below are examples showcasing the use of "deferred" in various contexts:

1. The company deferred the product launch to next year.
2. She requested that her loan payments be deferred during her leave of absence.
3. The board meeting was deferred until further notice.
4. His graduation was deferred due to incomplete credits.
5. The decision to invest was deferred after the market crash.
6. They deferred their vacation plans until the weather improved.
7. The discussion of this policy was deferred to the next session.
8. The tax was deferred under the new government policy.
9. He deferred answering the question until he had more information.
10. The athlete’s participation in the event was deferred because of injury.

Frequency of Use

"Deferred" is moderately common in English, especially in formal and professional settings. It is frequently used in academic, legal, and financial documents and appears less often in casual speech.

Variants of "Deferred"

The word "deferred" has several variants that align with its usage:

1. Deferring: The act of postponing or delaying.
2. Deferment: The process or period of being delayed.
3. Defer: To delay or put off an action.

Related Terms to "Deferred"

The following terms are related to "deferred":

1. Delay
2. Postpone
3. Reschedule
4. Adjourn
5. Pause

Etymology: History and Origins of "Deferred"

The word "deferred" originates from the Latin term differre, meaning "to carry apart" or "to delay." It evolved through Middle English, retaining its sense of postponement and withholding.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Deferred"

Below are some derivatives and compounds associated with "deferred":

1. Deferred payment: Payment delayed to a later date.
2. Deferred action: Postponed decision or operation.
3. Deferred interest: Interest applied after a delay.

Common Misspellings of "Deferred"

The following are common misspellings of "deferred":

1. Deffered
2. Differred
3. Defrred

10 Idioms Similar to "Deferred"

Here are idioms that convey similar meanings to "deferred":

1. Put on hold
2. Take a rain check
3. Kick the can down the road
4. Hold off
5. Postpone the inevitable
6. Put off until tomorrow
7. Wait it out
8. Leave for another day
9. Shelve the idea
10. Delay the process

10 Common Questions About "Deferred"

Below are common questions about "deferred" and their answers:

1. What does "deferred" mean in finance?

In finance, it refers to payments or taxes postponed to a later date.

2. How is "deferred" used in education?

It describes delayed enrollment or postponed decisions, such as college admissions.

3. What is a "deferred" payment?

It’s a payment scheduled to be made at a later time.

4. Can "deferred" apply to decisions?

Yes, it commonly describes decisions postponed for future resolution.

5. What is a "deferred" tax?

It’s a tax obligation postponed to a future period under specific conditions.

6. Does "deferred" always imply intentional delay?

Not always; it can describe unavoidable delays as well.

7. How often is "deferred" used in conversation?

It is more common in professional and academic discussions than in casual talk.

8. Is "deferred" a positive or negative term?

It is neutral but depends on the context of use.

9. What is the opposite of "deferred"?

Words like "advanced" or "expedited" serve as opposites.

10. How is "deferred" pronounced?

It is pronounced as "dɪˈfɜrd."

Conclusion

The term "deferred" signifies the act of postponing or delaying, whether in financial, academic, or general contexts. Its adaptability makes it a crucial addition to both formal and casual vocabularies. Explore its usage to enhance your communication and understanding of complex concepts.