defer to the knowledge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "defer to the knowledge" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that you are yielding to someone else's expertise or understanding on a particular subject. Example: "In matters of scientific research, I always prefer to defer to the knowledge of experienced professionals in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

Arts

Opinion

Law

Research

Healthcare

Labor

Culture

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I have no feel for the intricacies of music – I really do flit between Handel and Led Zeppelin – and I gladly defer to the knowledge and sensitivity of people who know their Reich from their Riley.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But many practitioners within the humanities have been tempted to raise the white flag, deferring to the knowledges created by the social and natural sciences.

The Guardian - Opinion

And yet for some reason, we have decided that when it comes to the critically important issue of assessing the validity of expert testimony that could send someone to prison, or to the execution chamber, we will defer to the scientific knowledge of..

The Washington Post

In asking, through my research, who is Haiti and who is Haitian, I defer to the rich knowledge bestowed by their negotiations of identity.

Johns Hopkins University

Attorneys for Texas argued that courts should defer to the legislature's knowledge of what is medically unnecessary, and a law is only an undue burden if it significantly impacts abortion access.

The Guardian

But if the court had said that the facts revealed no reasonably perceptible threat of serious harm to the fiancee, I'd have been inclined to defer to the court's knowledge of the record.

Huffington Post

However, rather than reflecting inactivity in decision making, the approach of this latter group of older women may allow them to conserve resources and use their experience to defer to the clinical expertise and knowledge of the healthcare professionals.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

The NFL is asking the Court to defer to the NLRB, which has substantial specialized knowledge and expertise in labor matters.

Huffington Post

You defer to the universe.

The New Yorker

We defer to the central banker as we defer to our doctor.

The Economist

"Do you defer to the Hannaford Brothers?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "defer to the knowledge", ensure that the context clearly indicates why the other party's knowledge is superior or more relevant. This strengthens the rationale for your deference.

Common error

Avoid using "defer to the knowledge" when your own understanding is sufficient for informed decision-making. Over-deferring can undermine your authority and perceived competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "defer to the knowledge" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of yielding to someone else's expertise or understanding on a particular subject. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "defer to the knowledge" is a grammatically sound way to express yielding to another's superior understanding. While considered rare in overall usage, it frequently appears in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly justifies the deference to avoid undermining your own competence. Alternatives like "rely on the expertise" or "yield to the understanding" offer similar meanings with subtle variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rely on the expertise

Focuses on depending on the specialized skill or judgment of someone.

yield to the understanding

Emphasizes submitting to another's comprehension or insight.

respect the wisdom

Highlights acknowledging and valuing someone's accumulated knowledge.

acknowledge the proficiency

Stresses recognizing someone's skill level in a particular area.

recognize the insight

Highlights appreciation of a deeper understanding or perception.

accept the judgment

Focuses on agreeing with and following someone's decision-making.

follow the advice

Emphasizes adhering to guidance or recommendations given.

heed the counsel

Highlights paying attention to advice, especially from someone experienced.

trust the expertise

Focuses on having confidence in someone's specialized knowledge.

value the intellect

Stresses appreciating someone's cognitive ability and intelligence.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to "defer to the knowledge" of someone else?

It's appropriate to "defer to the knowledge" when another individual possesses expertise or experience significantly exceeding your own, especially in technical or specialized fields. This ensures informed decisions and avoids potential errors.

What are some alternatives to saying "defer to the knowledge"?

You can use alternatives like "rely on the expertise", "yield to the understanding", or "respect the wisdom", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

How does "defer to the knowledge" differ from simply agreeing with someone?

"Defer to the knowledge" implies a recognition of superior expertise, leading you to accept their perspective. Simply agreeing might stem from various reasons, without necessarily acknowledging a difference in knowledge.

Is it ever inappropriate to "defer to the knowledge"?

Yes, it's inappropriate if the person's expertise is irrelevant to the situation, if their knowledge is demonstrably flawed, or if you have a strong ethical or factual basis to disagree. Blindly deferring can lead to poor outcomes.