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

And so it is a surprise to turn to New York’s New Museum, which has been expanded in a way that shows something rare for Mr. Koolhaas: deference.

From The Wall Street Journal

I couldn’t help but notice the deference Ba paid to Mrs. Kuen by allowing her to speak, allowing her to advise him.

From Literature

The case reached an appeals court, which applied a legal standard that granted commissioners significant deference.

From Los Angeles Times

Out of misguided deference to supposed victims, they have been largely aiming their ire in the wrong direction.

From The Wall Street Journal

There were, though, some concerns expressed about those conventions — and a sense from some that for too long custom had been the midwife of deference and that must change.

From BBC

Related Words

• civility
• courtesy
• reverence