postpone

Postpone is a transitive verb meaning to cause something to happen at a later time than originally planned, or to defer an action or decision. The noun form is postponement. The term derives from post- meaning “after” and ponere meaning “to place,” entering English via Latin and Old French roots. It has long been used in administrative, legal, and organizational contexts to indicate delaying a scheduled event or obligation.

Usage and nuances: Postpone is commonly used for meetings, deadlines, exams, or decisions. It implies that the event will still occur, just at a later time, rather than being cancelled. The phrase postpone indefinitely signals a postponement without a specified rescheduled date. In formal writing, postpone tends to be preferred over more casual terms such as “put off,” and it is distinct from delay in that delay is a broader term that can apply to processes or things, whereas postpone specifically relocates a planned occurrence.

Related terms and contrasts: Defer is often used in formal or legal contexts to delay a decision or obligation. Adjourn is typically used for meetings or sessions that are temporarily suspended. Reschedule refers to changing to a different date or time, often preserving the plan as a future instance. The forms include postponed (past participle) and postponing (gerund); the noun is postponement.

Common uses include postponing a meeting, a deadline, or a project timeline, and professionals may specify a new date or indicate postponement until further notice.