“Postpone” vs. “Put Off”: What’s the Difference?
Jun 12, 2023
Engram
The difference between “postpone” and “put off”
- While both words mean delaying something, "postpone" implies a rescheduling of the activity for a later time, whereas "put off" does not necessarily imply a rescheduling.
- Postponing is usually done because of external factors, while putting off something is often a choice made by the individual involved.
- Postponing usually has a specific date or time chosen for the later occurrence, while the timing of putting off is less clear.
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What is the definition of “postpone” and “put off”?
Postpone
- To delay an event or action to a later time or date.
- Often done due to some unforeseen circumstances or for better preparation.
- It means the activity will eventually occur at a later time or date.
Put off
- To postpone or delay something intentionally.
- Often done due to procrastination or avoidance of something unpleasant.
- It may or may not result in the activity happening eventually.
Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?
“Postpone” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Postpone
40,100,000 results on the web
Examples
- We have to postpone the meeting until next week due to some unforeseen circumstances.
- The wedding has been postponed indefinitely due to the outbreak of the pandemic.
- The launch of the new product has been postponed as the final testing is yet to be completed.
Put off
31,300,000 results on the web
Examples
- Don't put off your homework until the last minute — it's better to get it done early.
- I had to put off my trip to the beach because of the bad weather forecast.
- She decided to put off confronting her colleague about the issue until she had time to think about it more.
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