deference
noun
Did you know?
We need to be specific when we tell you that deference and defer both derive from the Medieval Latin dēferre, which means "to convey, show respect, submit to a decision," because there are two defers in the English language. The defer related to deference is typically used with to in contexts having to do either with allowing someone else to decide or choose something, as in "I'll defer to the experts," or with agreeing to follow someone else's decision, wish, etc., as when a court defers to precedent. The other defer traces to the Latin differre, meaning "to carry away in varying directions, spread abroad, postpone, delay, be unlike or distinct." That defer is typically used in contexts having to do with delaying or postponing something, as in "a willingness to defer the decision until next month."
Synonyms
- acquiescence
- biddability
- compliance
- compliancy
- docility
- obedience
- submissiveness
Example Sentences
Benjamin R. Barber, Atlantic, March 1992 In the 1980s, in deference to the neighborhoods, City Hall would attempt a counter-reformation of downtown, forbidding "Manhattanization." Richard Rodriguez, Harper's, October 1990 She could have subtly appealed to the deference … she knew was still in there, encoded in their middle-aged hearts; she never did. Peggy Noonan, New York Times Magazine, 16 Dec. 1990 A sense of deference to the upper class among whites made it possible, in Sproat's estimation, for white leaders to contain the white supremacists. Robert L. Harris, Jr., American Historical Review, December 1987 Her relatives treat one another with deference. He is shown much deference by his colleagues. See More Louisa Loveluck, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2022 The early deference to quiet diplomacy gave way to a sense of impatience, and even a feeling of betrayal. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2022 Those semi-fictionalized accounts were the product of an era of declining deference and rising celebrity, when the royal troubles became public property. Jill Lawless, ajc, 8 Sep. 2022 Those semi-fictionalized accounts were the product of an era of declining deference and rising celebrity, when the royal troubles became public property. Danica Kirka, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2022 Those semi-fictionalized accounts were the product of an era of declining deference and rising celebrity, when the royal family’s troubles became public property. Danica Kirka, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Sep. 2022 Those semi-fictionalized accounts were the product of an era of declining deference and rising celebrity, when the royal family’s troubles became public property. Danica Kirka, Jill Lawless And Sylvia Hui, Anchorage Daily News, 8 Sep. 2022 Things were changing at home, too, as the old deference for the monarchy gave way in the 1960s and 1970s to satire, rising antiestablishment sentiment and greater public scrutiny. James Hookway, WSJ, 8 Sep. 2022 But instead of turning tail the creators (rightfully) stood by their creation and now have ratcheted up the boldness with the remake which, by title alone, has deference to the essential nature of the sequel. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 2022 See More Word History
borrowed from French déférence, going back to Middle French deference "act of submitting," from deferer "to submit to another, defer entry 2" + -ence -ence
1660, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing deference
Kids Definition
deference
noun
deference
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- acquiescence
- obedience
- submissiveness
- docility
- humoring
- subservience
- assent
- obsequiousness
- complaisance
- compliancy
- servility
- subserviency
- slavishness
- compliance
- receptivity
- biddability
- receptiveness
- acceptance
- cordiality
- friendliness
- amenability
- amiability
- consent
- geniality
- surrender
- conformity
- cooperativeness
- indulgence
- capitulation
- amicability
- affability
- sociability
- congeniality
- good-naturedness
- submission
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- defiance
- disobedience
- hostility
- animosity
- antipathy
- recalcitrance
- enmity
- intractability
- ill will
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of deference are homage, honor, and reverence. While all these words mean "respect and esteem shown to another," deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence.
The words homage and deference can be used in similar contexts, but homage adds the implication of accompanying praise.
The words honor and deference are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition.
The synonyms reverence and deference are sometimes interchangeable, but reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe.