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

Recipients of honorary doctorates tend not to use the Dr honorific despite technically being able to out of deference to those who have undertaken the academic work to receive a PhD.

From BBC

Still, his perceived deference to Choi, who also served as a top advisor to Moore, has led to questions about just how much has really changed.

From Los Angeles Times

That precedent set a “great level of deference” as the standard of review for deployments that have since mushroomed across the country, circumscribing debate even in courts where it is not legally binding.

From Los Angeles Times

In retrospect, even though he clearly disagreed with the hawks, Powell went to great lengths to give the hawks due deference in his October remarks.

From Barron's

Whether his successor can command the same deference is an open question.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• civility
• courtesy
• reverence