Definitions for: Deference

[n] a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard; "his deference to her wishes was very flattering"; "be sure to give my respects to the dean"
[n] a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
[n] courteous regard for people's feelings; "in deference to your wishes"; "out of respect for his privacy"

Webster (1913) Definition: Def"er*ence, n. [F. d['e]f['e]rence. See 3d
Defer.]
A yielding of judgment or preference from respect to the
wishes or opinion of another; submission in opinion; regard;
respect; complaisance.

Deference to the authority of thoughtful and sagacious
men. --Whewell.

Deference is the most complicate, the most indirect,
and the most elegant of all compliments. --Shenstone.

Syn: Deference, Reverence, Respect.

Usage: Deference marks an inclination to yield one's opinion,
and to acquiesce in the sentiments of another in
preference to one's own. Respect marks the estimation
that we have for another, which makes us look to him
as worthy of high confidence for the qualities of his
mind and heart. Reverence denotes a mingling of fear
with a high degree of respect and esteem. Age, rank,
dignity, and personal merit call for deference;
respect should be paid to the wise and good; reverence
is due to God, to the authors of our being, and to the
sanctity of the laws.

Synonyms: complaisance, compliance, compliancy, obligingness, respect, respect, respectfulness

See Also: agreeability, agreeableness, civility, court, courtesy, good manners, homage, last respects, politeness

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