deference

[def-er-uhns]

noun

1. respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.

2. respectful or courteous regard.

   in deference to his wishes.

deference

/ ˈdɛfərəns /

noun

1. submission to or compliance with the will, wishes, etc, of another

2. courteous regard; respect

Other Word Forms

• nondeference noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deference¹

1640–50; < French déf érence, Middle French, equivalent to defer ( er ) to defer ² + -ence -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of deference¹

C17: from French déférence; see _defer ²

Example Sentences

“The facts do not justify the President’s actions in Illinois, even giving substantial deference to his assertions,” they said in a 3-0 ruling last week.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The judges found that the law in question requires “a great level of deference” to the president to decide when protest flashes into rebellion, and whether boots on the ground are warranted in response.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Has there been an institutional lack of curiosity, or a misplaced deference, in finding out about Andrew's activities?

Read more on BBC

"Even after affording great deference to the president's evaluation of the circumstances, we see insufficient evidence of a rebellion or danger of rebellion in Illinois," the court said.

Read more on Barron's

A Universal spokesman told me that the label and the Lennon estate dropped it in deference to current sensitivities.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• civility 
• courtesy 
• reverence