deference
Deference (noun) means Respectful submission to another person's wishes, judgment, or authority. Example: “The junior staff treated the veteran surgeon with great deference.”
How to use deference
Learner’s notesWord forms
deferences plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The junior staff treated the veteran surgeon with great _____.
Etymology
From French déférence, formed from defer + -ence.
Synonyms
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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.