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deference

DEF-er-uhnss /ˈdef.ər.əns/

nounC1GRESATGMATUPSC

formal

Polite submission and respect shown towards the opinion, judgment, or wishes of another.

Represents an active, courteous decision to yield or defer to someone else's superior wisdom, rank, or age.

The story behind the word. Latin 'deferre' literally meant 'to carry down' or bring an offer before someone. In medieval courtly manners, to defer meant to bring your judgment down and lay it at the feet of a superior, yielding decision-making power out of honor.

Word relationships

respect: Respect is a general feeling of admiration, while deference is the specific action or attitude of yielding to another.
reverence: Reverence implies deep awe or sacred honor, whereas deference focuses on practical, courteous compliance.

defiance: Defiance is open resistance and bold disobedience.
disrespect: Disrespect is lack of courtesy or honor toward someone.

Commonly confused with

difference: 'Difference' means dissimilarity; 'deference' means respectful yielding.

Word family

defer (verb): To yield to another's wish or opinion out of respect.
deferential (adjective): Showing deference or respectful submission.
deferentially (adverb): In a respectful, yielding manner.

Collocations

out of deference to
show deference
treated with deference
deference to authority

Example sentences

"He was quiet, and steady, and had a great deal of deference for his uncle's opinion." Classic literature excerpt
"The appellate court showed deference to the trial judge's factual findings, refusing to overturn the verdict." Legal commentary

Memory hook

DEFERENCE = DEFERRING your decision to someone else with respect. Carry down your pride to show respect.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'difference' (dissimilarity).

Fun facts

In legal studies, 'Chevron deference' was a famous principle where US federal courts yielded to government agencies' interpretations of ambiguous laws!