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deference

def·er·ence
D d

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [def-er-uh ns]
    • /ˈdɛf ər əns/
    • /ˈdef.ər.əns/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [def-er-uh ns]
    • /ˈdɛf ər əns/

Definitions of deference word

  • uncountable noun deference Deference is a polite and respectful attitude towards someone, especially because they have an important position. 4
  • noun deference submission to or compliance with the will, wishes, etc, of another 3
  • noun deference courteous regard; respect 3
  • noun deference a yielding in opinion, judgment, or wishes 3
  • noun deference courteous regard or respect 3
  • noun deference respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another. 1

Information block about the term

Origin of deference

First appearance:

before 1640
One of the 44% oldest English words
1640-50; < French déférence, Middle French, equivalent to defer(er) to defer2 + -ence -ence

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Deference

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

deference popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 83% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

deference usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for deference

noun deference

  • yielding — inclined to give in; submissive; compliant: a timid, yielding man.
  • obeisance — a movement of the body expressing deep respect or deferential courtesy, as before a superior; a bow, curtsy, or other similar gesture.
  • submission — an act or instance of submitting.
  • condescension — Condescension is condescending behaviour.
  • acquiescence — Acquiescence is agreement to do what someone wants, or acceptance of what they do even though you do not agree with it.

Antonyms for deference

noun deference

  • disobedience — lack of obedience or refusal to comply; disregard or transgression.
  • noncompliance — failure or refusal to comply, as with a law, regulation, or term of a contract.
  • dishonor — lack or loss of honor; disgraceful or dishonest character or conduct.
  • disregard — to pay no attention to; leave out of consideration; ignore: Disregard the footnotes.
  • ignorance — the state or fact of being ignorant; lack of knowledge, learning, information, etc.

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See also

Matching words

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