deference
|de-fer-ence|
🇺🇸
/ˈdɛfərəns/
🇬🇧
/ˈdɛf(ə)rəns/
yielding out of respect
Etymology
'deference' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'deferre,' where 'de-' meant 'down' or 'away' and 'ferre' meant 'to carry.'
'deferre' developed into Medieval Latin 'deferentia' and Old French 'deference,' and was borrowed into Middle English as 'deference.'
Initially related to the idea of 'carrying away' or 'transfer' and the act of yielding; over time it evolved into the modern sense of 'respectful submission or courteous regard.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, or wishes of another; courteous regard.
She treated her teachers with deference.
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Noun 2
an act or instance of yielding to another's opinion or wishes out of respect or consideration.
Out of deference to her parents, she accepted their decision.
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Last updated: 2025/10/01 01:39