deference

American  

[def-er-uhns] / ˈdɛf ər əns /

noun

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

2. respectful or courteous regard.

   in deference to his wishes.

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deference British  

/ ˈdɛfərəns /

noun

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

2. courteous regard; respect

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Other Word Forms

• nondeference noun

Etymology

Origin of deference

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

Example Sentences

In South Asia in particular, a culture of deference, traditional social norms and gender hierarchy often prevent youth movements from succeeding.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

The case reached an appeals court, which applied a legal standard that granted commissioners significant deference.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

Plus, she has a trad wife thing going on, emphasizing her deference to her husband’s decisions.

From Slate • Feb. 27, 2026

The two delegations showed so much mutual respect, deference and good chemistry that at one point they almost seemed like friends, the U.S. officials said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026

Michaux was used to being treated with deference and did not know what to make of Howard Fuller.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

Related Words

• civility
• courtesy
• reverence