deference
/ˈdɛf(ə)r(ə)ns
/noun [mass noun]
Polite submission and respect: he addressed her with the deference due to age...
- Elizabeth II came to the throne when Britain still enjoyed a society where deference joined with self respect.
- The prisoners were all perfectly submissive and paid every deference to the wishes of those in whose custody they were placed.
- Even when this process is taking place, there is still a battle against old ideas and the habits of deference and submission.
Synonyms
respect, respectfulness, regard, esteem;
consideration, attentiveness, attention, thoughtfulness;
courteousness, courtesy, politeness, civility, dutifulness, reverence, veneration, awe, homage;
submissiveness, submission, obedience, yielding, surrender, accession, capitulation, acquiescence, complaisance, obeisance
Phrases
in deference to
Origin
Mid 17th century: from French déférence, from déférer 'refer' (see defer2).