defer

To arrange for something to happen at a later time.

• We can defer payment.
• They deferred the decision until next month.
• Can I defer starting the course for a year?

How to use it: defer something until something (We deferred the meeting until Friday.); defer doing something (She deferred buying a car until next year.)

Similar words: postpone, delay, put off

Common phrases: defer a decision, defer payment, defer until tomorrow

To wait before acting.

• We must defer a little.
• He deferred until a better opportunity arose.
• The situation was urgent, so they could not defer any longer.

How to use it: defer until something (They agreed to defer until the weather improved.)

Similar words: wait, delay

Common phrases: defer until tomorrow, defer a little, defer any longer