Defer to
verb
To agree to follow someone else's decision, judgment, or opinion.
I will defer to your judgment on this matter.
Often appears as...
- defer to judgment
- defer to opinion
verb
To allow someone else to take control.
The original teacher was absent, so she had to defer to the substitute.
Often appears as...
- defer to authority
- defer to control
verb
To delay or postpone something.
We will have to defer to a later date.
Often appears as...
- defer to a later date
- defer plans
verb
To agree to follow someone else's decision, judgment, or opinion.
I will defer to your judgment on this matter.
Often appears as...
- defer to judgment
- defer to opinion
verb
To allow someone else to take control.
The original teacher was absent, so she had to defer to the substitute.
Often appears as...
- defer to authority
- defer to control
verb
To delay or postpone something.
We will have to defer to a later date.
Often appears as...
- defer to a later date
- defer plans
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Respect Expertise
Use 'defer to' when acknowledging someone's greater knowledge or experience on a subject.
I'm not sure which wine to choose, so I'll defer to the sommelier.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Absolute Agreement
'Defer to' doesn't always mean you agree completely, but that you respect the other's opinion more than your own.
Although I have my doubts, I will defer to your expertise.
Pro Tip 3/3Hierarchy Implications
Using 'defer to' can suggest a hierarchy, where the person being deferred to is in a position of authority.
In matters of safety, we defer to the captain's instructions.
Pro Tip 1/3Respect Expertise
Use 'defer to' when acknowledging someone's greater knowledge or experience on a subject.
I'm not sure which wine to choose, so I'll defer to the sommelier.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Absolute Agreement
'Defer to' doesn't always mean you agree completely, but that you respect the other's opinion more than your own.
Although I have my doubts, I will defer to your expertise.
Pro Tip 3/3Hierarchy Implications
Using 'defer to' can suggest a hierarchy, where the person being deferred to is in a position of authority.
In matters of safety, we defer to the captain's instructions.
Pro Tip 1/3Respect Expertise
Use 'defer to' when acknowledging someone's greater knowledge or experience on a subject.
I'm not sure which wine to choose, so I'll defer to the sommelier.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Absolute Agreement
'Defer to' doesn't always mean you agree completely, but that you respect the other's opinion more than your own.
Although I have my doubts, I will defer to your expertise.
Pro Tip 3/3Hierarchy Implications
Using 'defer to' can suggest a hierarchy, where the person being deferred to is in a position of authority.
In matters of safety, we defer to the captain's instructions.
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