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.

---

deference British  

/ ˈdɛfərəns /

noun

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

2. courteous regard; respect

---

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 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

The federal courts usually grant deference to the president when the government issues statements in the context of litigation.

From Salon

The ostentatious displays of deference he demanded, and received, from heads of state and CEOs manifested an arrogance that enraged some participants and a vulgarity that revolted others.

From The Wall Street Journal

For a year, they employed flattery and deference to seek compromise.

From The Wall Street Journal

They protected minority shareholders from genuine fiduciary abuse, such as in cases involving self-dealing or extraction of value, but they otherwise showed deference to decisions made by directors and ratified by stockholders.

From Barron's

Related Words

• civility
• courtesy
• reverence