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

The Texas Supreme Court has repeatedly given deference to state lawmakers in reshaping the courts as they see fit, Befeld said.

From Salon

That service is the maintenance of a reality bubble and the deference to beliefs that Fox’s hosts helped shape.

From New York Times

“My view is that courts owe significant deference to the politically accountable entities with the background, competence, and expertise to assess public health,” Roberts wrote in FDA vs.

From Los Angeles Times

In the 16th minute, Thompson showed too much deference to an elder, Sophia Smith — she of 22 years.

From Washington Post

“My view is that courts owe significant deference to the politically accountable entities with the ‘background, competence and expertise to assess public health,’” he wrote, quoting an earlier opinion.

From New York Times

Related Words

• civility
• courtesy
• reverence