Defer vs. Differ — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 26, 2024
Defer means to postpone or delay actions, while differ signifies disagreement or variation between things.
Difference Between Defer and Differ
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Defer involves postponing or delaying an action or decision, often out of respect, preference, or for strategic reasons. On the other hand, differ entails a lack or absence of agreement or similarity between two or more entities, ideas, opinions, or items.
In a professional setting, an employee might defer to their supervisor's judgment on a project approach, indicating respect and acknowledgment of the supervisor's expertise or authority. When two colleagues differ on a project's direction, it highlights their varying perspectives, opinions, or approaches regarding how to proceed.
In the context of decision-making, to defer can also imply temporarily handing over decision-making power to another person or entity, based on trust or hierarchy. This action reflects a strategic or respectful choice to allow others to lead or decide. Whereas, differing in decisions often leads to a scenario where multiple options are considered, debated, or contested, reflecting a diversity of thought and the potential for innovation or conflict resolution through discussion.
Deferrence often has a hierarchical or relational aspect, suggesting that the act of deferring is not just about the delay but also about the dynamics of authority or respect within a relationship or organization. Differences, however, can exist independently of hierarchical or relational contexts and are fundamental to the diversity of ideas, preferences, and characteristics across individuals and groups, encouraging debate and progress.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To postpone or delay an action or decision.
To be not in agreement or not the same as something else.
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Context
Often used in formal or hierarchical settings.
Used in a wide range of contexts to describe variance.
Relationship Dynamics
Implies a recognition of authority or expertise.
Highlights disagreement or diversity of opinions.
Outcome
Decision or action is delayed.
Indicates a lack of consensus or variety.
Connotation
Can be respectful or strategic.
Often neutral, but can suggest conflict in opinions.
Compare with Definitions
Defer
Delay with intention.
He chose to defer his acceptance of the job offer until he heard back from the other company.
Differ
Vary.
The results of the experiments differ significantly.
Defer
Subordinate one's preferences.
In group settings, sometimes it's best to defer to the consensus.
Differ
Disagree.
They differ on how to approach the new marketing strategy.
Defer
Postpone.
The committee decided to defer the decision until more information was available.
Differ
Be not the same.
The twins look alike but differ in personality.
Defer
Yield to another's decision.
Out of respect, she decided to defer to her mentor's advice.
Differ
Contrast with something.
His actions differ from his words.
Defer
Hold off action temporarily.
The city council voted to defer the renovation project until the budget was reassessed.
Differ
Hold a different opinion.
We all differ in our tastes and preferences.
Defer
Put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone
They deferred the decision until February
Differ
Be unlike or dissimilar
The second set of data differed from the first
Tastes differ, especially in cars
Defer
Submit to or acknowledge the merit of
He deferred to Tim's superior knowledge
Differ
To be dissimilar or unlike in nature, quality, amount, or form
Ambition differs from greed.
Defer
To put off; postpone.
Differ
To be of a different opinion; disagree
The experts differ on what should be done to fix the economy.
Defer
To postpone the induction of (one eligible for the military draft).
Differ
(Obsolete) To quarrel; dispute.
Defer
To submit to the wish or decision of another, as in recognition of authority.
Differ
(intransitive) Not to have the same traits or characteristics; to be unalike or distinct.
These shoes only differ from those ones in having slightly longer laces.
Defer
To commit or entrust to another
The principal deferred the decision to the school board.
Differ
To have diverging opinions, disagree.
Defer
(transitive) To delay or postpone
Differ
(intransitive) To be separated in quantity.
The numbers 3 and 21 differ by 18.
Defer
To postpone induction into military service.
Differ
(computing) A program that diffs, a diff.
Defer
(American football) After winning the opening coin toss, to postpone until the start of the second half a team's choice of whether to kick off or receive (and to allow the opposing team to make this choice at the start of the first half).
Differ
To be or stand apart; to disagree; to be unlike; to be distinguished; - with from.
One star differeth from another star in glory.
Minds differ, as rivers differ.
Defer
(intransitive) To delay, to wait.
Differ
To be of unlike or opposite opinion; to disagree in sentiment; - often with from or with.
Defer
(ambitransitive) To submit to the opinion or desire of others in respect to their judgment or authority.
Differ
To have a difference, cause of variance, or quarrel; to dispute; to contend.
We 'll never differ with a crowded pit.
Severely punished, not for differing from us in opinion, but for committing a nuisance.
Davidson, whom on a former occasion we quoted, to differ from him.
Much as I differ from him concerning an essential part of the historic basis of religion.
I differ with the honorable gentleman on that point.
If the honorable gentleman differs with me on that subject, I differ as heartily with him, and shall always rejoice to differ.
Defer
To render, to offer.
Differ
To cause to be different or unlike; to set at variance.
But something 'ts that differs thee and me.
Defer
To put off; to postpone to a future time; to delay the execution of; to delay; to withhold.
Defer the spoil of the city until night.
God . . . will not long deferTo vindicate the glory of his name.
Differ
Be different;
These two tests differ in only one respect
Defer
To put off; to delay to act; to wait.
Pius was able to defer and temporize at leisure.
Differ
Be of different opinions;
I beg to differ!
She disagrees with her husband on many questions
Defer
To render or offer.
Worship deferred to the Virgin.
Defer
To lay before; to submit in a respectful manner; to refer; - with to.
Hereupon the commissioners . . . deferred the matter to the Earl of Northumberland.
Defer
To yield deference to the wishes of another; to submit to the opinion of another, or to authority; - with to.
The house, deferring to legal right, acquiesced.
Defer
Hold back to a later time;
Let's postpone the exam
Defer
Submit or yield to another's wish or opinion;
The government bowed to the military pressure
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to defer a decision?
To delay making a decision until a later time.
How can deferring be strategic in a workplace?
It allows for gathering more information or letting more suitable individuals make decisions.
Is differing from someone always negative?
No, differing can lead to creative solutions and progress through discussion.
Can defer indicate respect?
Yes, deferring often shows respect for another's opinion or authority.
Can deferring be a sign of indecision?
Sometimes, but it often reflects careful consideration or respect.
Is it possible to defer too often?
Yes, excessive deferral can lead to delays and missed opportunities.
Why is it important to recognize when opinions differ?
Recognizing differences can foster an environment of respect and innovation.
How do you effectively manage differing opinions in a team?
By encouraging open dialogue and considering all viewpoints before making a decision.
Can differing views benefit a team?
Yes, they can introduce diverse ideas and perspectives that enhance problem-solving.
How do deferment and difference play a role in decision-making?
They introduce timing and diversity of thought into the decision-making process.
Does deferring imply weakness?
No, it can be a sign of strategic thinking or respect for others' expertise.
What are the consequences of not acknowledging differing opinions?
It can lead to conflict, dissatisfaction, and a lack of collaboration.
Can deferring a decision impact its outcome?
Yes, it can lead to more informed decisions but also risks delays or loss of opportunities.
Why might someone choose to defer to authority?
Out of respect, acknowledgment of expertise, or organizational hierarchy.
How can differences be resolved in a productive manner?
Through negotiation, compromise, and seeking common ground.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
