C1verb 2K

Postpone

UK //pəʊstˈpəʊn// US //poʊstˈpoʊn// Pronunciation

Definition

To arrange for something to happen at a later time.

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In simple words: To delay something to a later time.

Examples

• We had to postpone the meeting due to bad weather.
• The event was postponed until next month.
• They decided to postpone their trip to avoid the traffic.
• Can we postpone the deadline for this project?
• It's better to postpone than to rush and make mistakes.

Usage notes

Use 'postpone' in formal and neutral contexts. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler terms like 'delay' might be more appropriate.

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Grammar pattern

postpone + object

Memory hint

Think 'post' as in ‘after’ and 'pone' as in 'tone down' the time.

Collocations

• postpone a meeting
• postpone a decision
• postpone an event

Synonyms

• delay
• defer
• put off
• suspend
• procrastinate

Antonyms

• advance
• accelerate
• hasten

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'cancel' means to stop something completely.
• Using 'postponed' as a synonym for 'rescheduled' incorrectly.