Deference meaning

dĕf'ər-əns, dĕf'rəns
Submission or courteous respect given to another, often in recognition of authority.
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Courteous regard or respect.
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The definition of deference is politely giving in to another, or courteous respect.

An example of deference is taking unwanted parenting advice from your mother-in-law.

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Great respect.

The children treated their elders with deference.

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The willingness to carry out the wishes of others.

By tidying his room, he showed deference to his mother.

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A yielding in opinion, judgment, or wishes.
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Origin of deference

From French déférence

Sentence Examples

  • Taran bowed his head in deference to his master.

  • Dean continued to exhibit restrain with his comebacks in deference to the improved moods around Bird Song.

  • He had a distinguished career at the gymnasium of his native town, and on leaving desired to devote himself to astronomy, but abandoned the idea in deference to his father's wishes.

  • Kiera stood aside, not as much out of deference but out of sudden realization that if she didn't, the man was likely to run her over.

  • It is one of absolute loyalty and deference, as to the teaching of inspiration.

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Words near deference in the Dictionary