V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary
deference
noun
Definition: 1. polite respect, especially putting another person’s interests first; 2. a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
Synonyms: homage, obeisance, reverence, submission, respect, consideration
Antonyms: insolence, irreverence disesteem, disfavor discourtesy, incivility, rudeness
Tips: When learning the word deference, think of the related verb defer, which means "to submit or yield to another's wish or opinion." If you were to defer a decision to someone else out of respect, that would be deference. (i.e: "When asked where they wanted to go for dinner, she deferred (yielded) to her friend to make the decision out of deference (respect, consideration).") Deference is really a more sophisticated way of saying "respect." The adjective deferential means "respectful and polite."
Usage Examples:
Out of deference to our guests, we always ask them what they want for dinner. (respect, consideration)
He will defer to his lawyers about whether or not to take the stand during the trial. (yield, concede, submit) verb
The professor, who is very esteemed by his colleagues, does not get the deference he deserves from his students. (respect, regard)
In deference to the manager’s wishes, our team came in to finish the project over the weekend. (respect, concession, regard, yielding)
Discover How You Can Improve Your
Vocabulary 10 to 100 Times Faster with
the Power Vocabulary Builder
Dear Friend,
The definition and lessons for the word deference were made available by the Power Vocabulary Builder.
The Power Vocabulary Builder will help you develop a fuller, richer vocabulary 10 to 100 times faster than any other program available.
Visit the the Power Vocabulary Builder site right now to discover how you can get full access to this breakthrough program today!
stratify - Definition of stratify
raconteur - Definition of raconteur
barren - Definition of barren
encumber - Definition of encumber
