deference

[def-er-uhns]

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

/ ˈdɛfərəns /

noun

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

2. courteous regard; respect

Other Word Forms

• nondeference noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deference¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deference¹

C17: from French déférence; see _defer ²

Example Sentences

The musical numbers are more elaborate than karaoke acts, but the volume is contained in deference to the Getty Villa’s neighbors, draining the staging of some of its theatrical power.

From Los Angeles Times

He has set tariffs based on which countries anger him the least, and he’s showing deference to industries and companies inside the U.S. that bend before him.

From Salon

Ohtani initiated a high-five with his tormentor, who playfully bowed in deference.

From Los Angeles Times

On more than one occasion, the supervisor added, Internal Affairs received complaints from senior department officials who thought that Lloyd didn’t show them enough deference during interrogations.

From Los Angeles Times

The deference to Putin continued after the negotiations.

From BBC

Related Words

• civility 
• courtesy 
• reverence