deference
DEF-er-unss
/ˈdefərəns/
Humble submission and respect.
Deference implies yielding to the judgment or wishes of another out of respect for their age, position, or wisdom.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'de-' (down) and 'ferre' (to carry). It originally meant to 'carry oneself down' or lower oneself in the presence of someone more important.
Word relationships
- respect: Respect is a feeling of admiration; deference is the act of yielding or submitting because of that respect.
- reverence: Reverence is a deep, almost religious respect, whereas deference is more about social yielding.
- disrespect: Disrespect is a lack of honor, while deference is the active showing of honor.
Commonly confused with
- venerate: Deference is the act of yielding; venerate is the internal feeling of deep respect or worship.
Word family
- defer (verb): To yield to another's wish.
- deferential (adjective): Showing respect.
Collocations
- in deference to
- show deference
- treat with deference
- out of deference
Example sentences
- "In deference to his age and character, he was allowed to speak first at the town hall meeting." Literature
- "Elizabeth's deference to her father was always great, despite her independent spirit." Classic Novel
Memory hook
When you show 'deference', you 'defer' your own opinion to someone else's. Defer your ego to show deference.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'difference.' Deference is about respect, not variation.
Fun facts
- The word 'defer' can mean to postpone or to show respect; both come from the idea of 'carrying away' or 'carrying down'.
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