Use 'defer to' when acknowledging someone's greater knowledge or experience on a subject.

Respect Expertise

'Defer to' doesn't always mean you agree completely, but that you respect the other's opinion more than your own.

Not Absolute Agreement

Using 'defer to' can suggest a hierarchy, where the person being deferred to is in a position of authority.

'Defer to' often indicates a temporary shift in control or leadership.

Use 'defer to' to show that someone else has the right to make decisions in a particular situation.

'Defer to' used for postponement means the action will happen later, not right away.

When deferring to a later time, it implies a decision was made to prioritize something else for now.