deference

noun

def·​er·​ence ˈde-fə-rən(t)s 

ˈdef-rən(t)s

: respect and esteem due a superior or an elder

also : affected or ingratiating regard for another's wishes

Phrases

in deference to

: in consideration of

returned early in deference to her parents' wishes

Did you know?

As you might have guessed, deference is related to the verb defer, meaning "to delegate" or "to submit to another's wishes." But we need to be specific when we tell you that both these words come from the Medieval Latin verb dēferre, which means "to convey, show respect, or 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 dictionary," 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 verb 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

Choose the Right Synonym for deference

honor, homage, reverence, deference mean respect and esteem shown to another.

honor may apply to the recognition of one's right to great respect or to any expression of such recognition.

the nomination is an honor

homage adds the implication of accompanying praise.

paying homage to Shakespeare

reverence implies profound respect mingled with love, devotion, or awe.

great reverence for my father

deference implies a yielding or submitting to another's judgment or preference out of respect or reverence.

showed no deference to their elders

Examples of deference in a Sentence

Deference to leaders and intolerance toward outsiders (and toward "enemies within") are hallmarks of tribalism … —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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Locals live in deference to the nature that surrounds them, collecting water from the forest’s crystal-clear spring with quiet care. —Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Dec. 2024

And even in the face of the deference the Court must give Congress, the CTA appears likely unconstitutional. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

The results come as Democrats undergo a post-election reckoning following Vice President Kamala Harris' loss to President-elect Donald Trump -- a period of soul-searching that has put a noticeable dent in House Democrats' traditional deference to seniority for committee assignments. —Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 17 Dec. 2024

End of Chevron deference could affect investigations Hamm also said that the end of Chevron deference could heighten the role of congressional investigations. —Emily Brooks, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French déférence, going back to Middle French deference "act of submitting," from deferer "to submit to another, defer entry 2" + -ence -ence

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

deference

noun

def·​er·​ence ˈdef-(ə-)rən(t)s 

: courteous, respectful, or flattering regard for another's wishes