Deference definition

dĕfər-əns, dĕfrəns
Courteous regard or respect.
noun
14
4
Submission or courteous respect given to another, often in recognition of authority.
noun
10
3
A yielding in opinion, judgment, or wishes.
noun
7
2
Great respect.

The children treated their elders with deference.

noun
4
1
The willingness to carry out the wishes of others.

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

noun
2
0
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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.

noun
1
1
in deference to
  • out of regard or respect for (a person or the person's position or wishes)
idiom
1
1

Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
deference
Plural:
deferences

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

in deference to

Origin of deference

  • From French déférence

    From Wiktionary

Deference Sentence Examples

  • Taran bowed his head in deference to his master.

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

  • 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.

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

  • Their bishops and priests, who wear the moustache in deference to popular prejudice, are typical specimens of the church militant.

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Words near deference in the Dictionary