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

Example Sentences

“This is something that falls well outside the scope of deference that should be given to a president in nominating members of the senior team,” Bolton said on “Meet the Press Now.”

From Los Angeles Times

Many Democrats fear that unresolved questions could land before a Supreme Court that has already shown deference to Trump, granting him immunity and effectively delaying his 2020 election interference trial until after Nov. 5.

From Salon

With that caveat in mind, researchers have found that conservatives tend to score higher on measures of disgust sensitivity, xenophobia, ingroup loyalty, deference to traditional authority, need for sanctity and concern for purity.

From Salon

I have such deference for him, and I’ve been a fan of him for so long.

From Los Angeles Times

Federal agencies suffered a blow to their authority in July when the conservative majority of the Supreme Court — which Trump cemented with his appointees — overturned the “Chevron deference.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civility
• courtesy
• reverence