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 Words From

• non·defer·ence 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

Related Words

• civility
• courtesy
• reverence