Definition

1. Noun:
   • Respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, or wishes of another person: The act of deferring or giving way to someone else, often out of respect for their authority, knowledge, or feelings.
   • Courteous regard for people's feelings: Polite and considerate behavior that shows respect for another person's position, privacy, or desires.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He showed great deference to his mentor's advice. (He respectfully accepted and followed his mentor's advice.)
  • In deference to the mayor's request, the council postponed the vote. (Out of respect for the mayor's request, the council delayed the vote.)
  • She listened with deference to the elder's stories. (She listened respectfully to the stories told by the older person.)

Advanced Usage

• "in deference to": out of respect for; in consideration of.
  • The ceremony was held in silence in deference to the solemn occasion. (The ceremony was conducted quietly out of respect for the serious nature of the event.)
• "pay/show deference to": to act in a way that shows respect for someone.
  • It is customary to pay deference to the chairperson by addressing them formally. (It is the usual practice to show respect to the chairperson by using formal titles.)

Variants and Related Words

• Defer (verb): To yield respectfully in judgment or opinion; to postpone.
  • I defer to your expertise on this matter. (I yield to your superior knowledge on this subject.)
• Deferential (adjective): Showing deference; respectful.
  • His deferential tone impressed the interview panel. (His respectful manner of speaking made a good impression on the interviewers.)

Synonyms

• Respect: A feeling of deep admiration for someone elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
• Courtesy: The showing of politeness in one's attitude and behavior toward others.
• Homage: Special honor or respect shown publicly.

Antonyms

• Disrespect: Lack of respect or courtesy.
• Defiance: Open resistance; bold disobedience.

Related Phrases

• With (all due) deference: A polite phrase used to introduce a contradictory opinion respectfully.
  • With all due deference, I must disagree with your conclusion. (I say this with the utmost respect, but I have a different opinion.)

Noun

1. a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
2. courteous regard for people's feelings
   • in deference to your wishes
   • out of respect for his privacy
3. a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard
   • his deference to her wishes was very flattering
   • be sure to give my respects to the dean