Rimandare vs. rinviare
The Italian verbs rimandare and rinviare both mean to postpone or to put off, but they have subtle differences in usage and connotation.
Rimandare
B1Rimandare generally implies postponing something to a later, often unspecified time. It can also mean to send back or return something.
Ho rimandato la decisione a domani.
(I postponed the decision until tomorrow.)
Devo rimandare la mia partenza.
(I have to postpone my departure.)
Ha rimandato il libro alla biblioteca.
(He returned the book to the library.)
Rinviare
B2Rinviare often suggests a more formal or official postponement, typically with a new specific date or time set. It's commonly used in legal or administrative contexts.
Il processo è stato rinviato al mese prossimo.
(The trial has been postponed to next month.)
La riunione è stata rinviata a data da destinarsi.
(The meeting has been postponed to a date to be determined.)
L'esame è stato rinviato di due settimane.
(The exam has been postponed by two weeks.)
Summary
While both rimandare and rinviare mean to postpone, rimandare is more general and can also mean to send back, whereas rinviare is often used in more formal contexts and implies rescheduling to a specific time. Rimandare is more common in everyday speech, while rinviare is frequently used in official or legal situations.