What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Expedite vs Defer - What's the difference?

expedite | defer |

In transitive terms the difference between expedite and defer

is that expedite is to perform (a task) fast and efficiently while defer is to delay or postpone; especially to postpone induction into military service.

As an adjective expedite

is free of impediment; unimpeded.

expedite

English

Verb

(expedit)
  • To accelerate the progress of.
  • He expedited the search by alphabetizing the papers.
  • To perform (a task) fast and efficiently.
  • Antonyms

    * impede * slow down

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Free of impediment; unimpeded.
  • * Hooker
  • to make the way plain and expedite
  • Expeditious; quick; prompt.
  • * Tillotson
  • nimble and expedite in its operation
  • * John Locke
  • Speech is a very short and expedite way of conveying their thoughts.
    ----

    defer

    English

    Etymology 1

    * From (etyl) differer, from (etyl) .

    Verb

    (deferr)
  • To delay or postpone; especially to postpone induction into military service.
  • * Shakespeare
  • Defer the spoil of the city until night.
  • * {{quote-book
  • , year=1818 , author=Mary Shelley , title=Frankenstein , chapter=3 citation , passage=My departure for Ingolstadt, which had been deferred by these events, was now again determined upon.}}
  • to delay, to wait
  • * Milton
  • God will not long defer / To vindicate the glory of his name.
  • (American football) to choose to kick off after winning the opening coin toss.
  • Derived terms
    * deferral

    Etymology 2

    * From (etyl)

    Verb

    (deferr)
  • (legal) To submit to the opinion or desire of another in respect to their judgment or authority.
  • * Francis Bacon
  • Hereupon the commissioners deferred the matter to the Earl of Northumberland.
  • * 1899 ,
  • "Well, I must defer to your judgment. You are captain," he said with marked civility.
  • to render, to offer
  • * Brevint
  • worship deferred to the Virgin
    Derived terms
    * deference

    Anagrams

    * * ----