Différé

Différé is a French term used as both an adjective and a noun, derived from the verb différer, which means to postpone, delay, or place after. The form différé describes something that has been deferred or scheduled for a later time. As a noun, différé can denote a postponement or a delay, though the term is most commonly found in compound expressions.

In general usage, différé refers to any event, action, or item that is not occurring at the originally planned moment but has been moved to a later date. It is commonly used to describe deadlines, shipments, payments, or meetings that have been rescheduled. For example, a paiement différé means a deferred payment, and une livraison différée refers to a shipment scheduled for a later date. The nuance of différé often implies a deliberate or policy-driven postponement rather than a mere accident or unplanned delay.

In administrative, legal, and commercial contexts, the term is frequently encountered in formal language. It can indicate contract terms that specify a postponed start or a future effect, such as a différé effect of a clause or a différé start date. Because différé conveys a sense of planned postponement, it is often preferred in official or professional writing where precision about timing is important.

Etymology and usage notes: différé comes from différer, whose sense extensions include delaying action or shifting timing. In English-language translations, différé is often rendered as deferred or postponed, depending on the context. The term contrasts with retard, which can carry a more accidental or negative connotation.