postpone

/pəʊˈspəʊn/
verbIntermediate
formalinformal

to delay an event, action, or decision to a later time

She decided to postpone her trip until next month.

She chose to delay her trip and go next month instead.

The court postponed the hearing to gather more evidence.

The court delayed the hearing to collect additional evidence.

💡

Often used in formal contexts, such as business or legal settings.

Collocations

postpone indefinitelyto delay without setting a new datepostpone until further noticeto delay until more information is available

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

put offphrase
to delay an action
deferphrase
to postpone to a later time

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'postpone' in formal contexts, such as business or legal settings. In informal contexts, 'put off' or 'delay' may be more common.

Gold Rule

Correct Usage

Always use 'postpone' with an object (e.g., 'postpone the meeting'). Do not use it without an object.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'postponere', meaning 'to place after', from 'post-' (after) + 'ponere' (to place).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more common in formal settings.

Word Breakdown

post-
after
prefix
+
-pone
to place
root
English Dictionary