Defer to Meaning in English

expression

US

dɪˈfɝ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ

di-FUR too, di-FUR tuh, di-FUR ti

UK

dɪfˈɜː/ /tˈuː

di-FUR TOO

Definition

To let someone else decide or to follow their opinion or wishes, usually because they have more experience or authority.

Usage & Nuances

Somewhat formal; often used in academic, business, or polite conversation. Commonly appears as 'defer to someone' or 'defer to someone's judgment.' Implies respect for authority or expertise. Not the same as 'submit' (stronger, less voluntary).

• Spanish: acatar - someterse a - respetar (decisión/autoridad)
• Portuguese (BR): acatar - submeter-se a - respeitar (autoridade/decisão)
• Portuguese (PT): acatar - submeter-se a - respeitar (autoridade/decisão)
• Chinese (Simplified): 服从 - 遵从
• Chinese (Traditional): 服從 - 遵從
• Hindi: माना करना - सम्मान देना
• Arabic: يذعن لـ - يخضع لـ - يحترم رأي
• Bengali: মতামত মেনে নেওয়া - শ্রদ্ধা জানানো (অধিক কর্তৃত্ব বা অভিজ্ঞতার প্রতি)
• Russian: полагаться на мнение - уступать (авторитету)
• Japanese: 従う (したがう) - 任せる (まかせる)
• Vietnamese: nhường (ý kiến) - nghe theo
• Korean: 의견을 따르다 - 권위에 맡기다
• Turkish: sözünü dinlemek - otoritesine başvurmak
• Urdu: تابع ہونا - رائے ماننا
• Indonesian: mengikuti pendapat - menyerahkan (keputusan)

Example Sentences

I defer to your experience in this matter.

basic

We decided to defer to the teacher’s judgment.

basic

In case of disagreement, I usually defer to my manager.

basic

Let’s defer to Sarah—she’s the expert here.

natural

I’ll defer to your choice this time—you know this restaurant better than I do.

natural

When it comes to technical issues, I always defer to my colleagues in IT.

natural