deferral

Everyday

1. (formal) The act of putting something off until a later time; a delay that is allowed: «the deferral of the exam». tree →
2. (formal) An official permission to start something later, such as a place at university or school. tree →

In the lessons

A formal word met in letters from schools, universities, banks and governments. It tells the reader that something was officially delayed, not cancelled. Phrases: «a deferral of payment», «ask for a deferral», «grant a deferral», «deferral of entry».

Examples

• Sophie asked for a deferral of her university place for a year. tree →
• The bank allowed a deferral of the loan payments. tree →
• The school agreed to a deferral of the test because so many pupils were ill. tree →
• A deferral is not the same as a cancellation. tree →
• His deferral was granted, so he can start next term. tree →
• The council announced a deferral of the building work. tree →

Note

Countable. From the verb «defer» (to put off; also to give way to someone's opinion: «defer to your elders»). Note the double R: deferred, deferring, deferral (but «deference», «deferment» with one R). Formal; in speech say «putting it off» or «delay».