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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)


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