noun
deference
DEH-fuh-ruhns
Deference (noun) means Respectful submission to another person's wishes, judgment, or authority. Example: “The junior staff treated the veteran surgeon with great deference.”
noun
1
Respectful submission to another person's wishes, judgment, or authority.
"The junior staff treated the veteran surgeon with great deference."
"Out of deference to her wishes, they cancelled the party."
How to use deference
Learner’s notes
Common pairings
in deference to
show deference
due deference
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Word forms
- Plural
- deferences
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The junior staff treated the veteran surgeon with great _____.
Etymology
From French déférence, formed from defer + -ence.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for deference
See all rhymes for deference →Frequently asked questions
What does “deference” mean?
The word “deference” means respectful submission to another person's wishes, judgment, or authority.
How do you pronounce “deference”?
“Deference” is pronounced DEH-fuh-ruhns (/ˈdɛ.fɚ.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “deference” in a sentence?
Here is “deference” used in a sentence: “The junior staff treated the veteran surgeon with great deference.”
What is another word for “deference”?
Words with a similar meaning to “deference” include honor and respect.
What part of speech is “deference”?
“Deference” is a noun.
Where does the word “deference” come from?
The word “deference” comes from French. From French déférence, formed from defer + -ence.
