deference

Everyday

1. Polite respect shown to someone by accepting their opinion or wishes, often because they are older, wiser or more important. tree →
2. (phrase) «In deference to» means out of respect for someone or something. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and history, deference shows who has power or respect: servants showed deference to lords, and pupils may show deference to a head teacher. In everyday life it is about politeness, such as letting an elder speak first. Phrases: «out of deference to», «in deference to her wishes», «treat with deference».

Examples

• The children spoke to the old chief with great deference. tree →
• In deference to Gran, we turned the music down. tree →
• He nodded with deference when the judge spoke. tree →
• The flags were lowered in deference to those who had died. tree →
• She treats her coach with deference. tree →
• Out of deference to the teacher, the class stood up when she came in. tree →
• When he saw that I observed him he saluted me with great deference. tree →

Note

Uncountable: no «a» and no plural. Verb: defer (to defer to someone means to accept their view). Trap: not the same as «difference», though they sound a little alike. Formal word.

In Jewish tradition

In stories and history, deference shows who has power or respect: servants showed deference to lords, and pupils may show deference to a head teacher. In everyday life it is about politeness, such as letting an elder speak first. Phrases: «out of deference to», «in deference to her wishes», «treat with deference».

Examples

• Nonetheless, English translators have usually shied away from the this-worldly symbolism of the ‘Holy Wind’, much preferring immaterial ‘Spirit’ either out of theological embarrassment or deference to tradition. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Uncountable: no «a» and no plural. Verb: defer (to defer to someone means to accept their view). Trap: not the same as «difference», though they sound a little alike. Formal word.