Deference
/ˈdefərəns/
Definitions
Courteous respect; yielding to the judgment or opinion of another.
/ˈdefərəns/
Polite respect, especially submission to the judgment, opinion, or wishes of another.
Out of deference to the elders, the young people remained quiet during the meeting.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're talking to your grandma. Showing deference means you're being super polite and listening carefully, even if you disagree with her! It's like saying, 'I respect your opinion, Grandma!'
👶 For kids: Being extra polite and listening to someone because you think they're important.
More Examples
She treated her superiors with the utmost deference.
The company showed deference to its long-standing clients by offering them preferential treatment.
How It's Used
"The younger employees showed deference to their experienced manager."
"The judge showed deference to the precedents set by the higher court."
Synonyms
Consideration
Courtesy
Homage
Obedience
Respect
Reverence
Submission
Idioms & expressions
With all due deference
Used to express polite disagreement or a differing opinion.
"With all due deference, I think we need to reconsider our approach."
From Middle French *déférence*, from Latin *dēferentia* ('respect, regard'), from *dēferre* ('to bring down, yield, submit').
The word has been used since the 14th century, reflecting societal values of respect for authority and elders. It was particularly prominent in legal and religious contexts.
Memory tip
Think of 'defer' as in 'defer to someone's opinion' - showing respect by agreeing to their viewpoint.