deference
[def-er-uh ns]
- respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.
- respectful or courteous regard: in deference to his wishes.
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Origin of deference
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for deference
Contemporary Examples
He oversaw a brutal regime, aimed at instilling respect, deference and acceptance of duty into the princes.
Other themes are more character-based, such as the “Bowie, Cocteau, Visconti” section, in deference to dandies and dapper men.
Tall and taciturn, he exuded the easy authority of a young man used to money and the deference that came with it.
Doug Kenney: The Odd Comic Genius Behind ‘Animal House’ and National LampoonRobert Sam Anson
March 1, 2014
From the deference with which he was received they rightly guessed that he was the chief of the tribe.
Heritage Action pushed for the government shutdown, but stayed out of the debt ceiling fight in deference to their funders.
Republicans Compromise on the Budget, but Don’t Expect Them To Compromise on the Debt CeilingEleanor Clift
December 18, 2013
Historical Examples
Garson, however, was unconvinced, notwithstanding his deference to the judgment of his leader.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
Yes, sir; but not my anxiety for your approbation, and my deference for your opinion.
Tales And Novels, Volume 9 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
He spoke with deference, but nevertheless there was a touch of reproach in his tone.
Jennie Baxter, JournalistRobert Barr
Perhaps her deference to my uncle made me feel as if she and I were more on a level.
Wilfrid CumbermedeGeorge MacDonald
Clotilde, herself, ceasing to smile, seemed to listen to him with deference.
Doctor PascalEmile Zola
deference
- submission to or compliance with the will, wishes, etc, of another
- courteous regard; respect
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Word Origin
C17: from French déférence; see defer ²
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for deference
n.
1640s, from French déférence (16c.), from déférer (see defer (v.2)).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper