Deference

/ˈdɛfərəns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, or will of another.

In deference to her experience, we decided to follow her recommendations.

Respect or esteem due to a superior or an elder.

He treated his elders with great deference, always listening attentively to their advice.

Courteous regard for people's feelings.

They showed deference to the wishes of their guests by adjusting their plans.

From Latin 'deferre', meaning to carry down or yield.

in deference to

Out of respect for someone or something.

show deference

To act respectfully toward someone or something.

give way in deference

To allow someone else's opinion or wishes to prevail due to respect.

respect

A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something.

regard

Attention to or consideration for someone or something.

Showing respect in a casual manner.

He showed deference like a boss, just laid back but respectful.

Yielding to someone's opinion in a chill way.

I went along with her idea in deference, didn't want to argue.