The question asks to identify the appropriate phrasal verb that means the same as "postpone" in the given sentence, "The Chairman had to postpone the meeting." Understanding the meaning of "postpone" and common phrasal verbs is key to answering this question correctly.

Postpone: Understanding Its Meaning

"Postpone" means to arrange for an event, such as a meeting, to take place at a later time than originally planned. It implies a delay or rescheduling to a future date or time. Essentially, it means to put off something until a later time.

Phrasal Verbs: An Overview

A phrasal verb is a verb combined with an adverb or a preposition, or sometimes both, to create a new meaning. The meaning of a phrasal verb is often different from the meanings of the individual words that make it up. For instance, "put" alone has many meanings, but when combined with prepositions like "off," "out," or "up," it forms entirely new meanings that are crucial for understanding English vocabulary.

Analyzing Phrasal Verb Options for 'Postpone'

Let's examine the given options to find the one that best matches the meaning of "postpone":

• put of: This option is likely a typographical error and not a standard phrasal verb in English. If it were intended to be "put off," then it would be correct. As it stands, "put of" is grammatically incorrect and does not carry a recognized meaning.
• put off: This is a widely used phrasal verb that means to delay an event or activity; to postpone something. For example, "They decided to put off the picnic until next week due to rain." This meaning perfectly aligns with "postpone," as it indicates rescheduling to a later time.
• put out: This phrasal verb has several meanings, none of which mean "postpone." Common meanings include: To extinguish a fire or light (e.g., "The firefighters quickly put out the blaze."); To inconvenience someone (e.g., "I hope I'm not putting you out by asking for a ride."); To produce or issue something (e.g., information, a product, as in "The company puts out a new catalog every quarter.").
• put up: This phrasal verb also has multiple meanings, none of which relate to "postpone." Common meanings include: To build or erect something (e.g., "They are putting up a new building."); To offer accommodation (e.g., "Can you put me up for the night?"); To raise something like a hand or a sign (e.g., "She put up her hand to ask a question."); To tolerate or endure something (e.g., "I can't put up with his constant complaining.").

Why 'Put Off' is the Correct Choice for Postpone

Based on the analysis of the phrasal verbs, "put off" is the only option that accurately conveys the meaning of "postpone." When the Chairman had to "postpone the meeting," it means the meeting was delayed or rescheduled to a later time. This is precisely what "put off" signifies in English usage.

Therefore, the appropriate phrasal verb for "postpone" in the sentence "The Chairman had to postpone the meeting" is "put off".