defer to

IPA/dɪfˈɜː tuː/
IPA/dᵻfˈɜː tuː/

defer to — idiom

1. to let someone else decide or be right, because you respect their higher rank, g

1.慣用語C1
釋義

to let someone else decide or be right, because you respect their higher rank, greater knowledge, or stronger claim.

例句

The young architect chose to defer to the engineer on questions about the bridge's safety.

defer to + person on + area of expertise

On medical matters, Felix always defers to his older sister, who is a nurse.

defer to + person with greater knowledge

同義詞
  • yield to

    stresses giving way after resistance, not respect

  • bow to

    often used for pressure or demands you accept reluctantly

  • submit to

    stronger; suggests giving up your own will to authority

反義詞
  • overrule

    to reject someone's decision using your own authority

  • challenge

    to question or refuse to accept someone's authority or view

文法句型

defer to + somebody

defer to + somebody on + topic

defer to + somebody's judgment/wishes

用法筆記

Object is normally a person or group whose authority, rank, or knowledge you accept; use 'on' or 'in' to name the area, as in 'defer to her on legal points'. Carries a tone of respect, not mere obedience.

常見錯誤

❌I will defer your decision.
✅I will defer to your decision.
💡without 'to', 'defer' means to delay something, which is a completely different meaning.
❌She deferred to him her judgment.
✅She deferred to his judgment.
💡the thing accepted belongs to the person you defer to; don't split it as a separate object.