noun polite respect or submission to the wishes or opinions of another
In politics, deference may involve showing respect or yielding to the opinions and decisions of political leaders or governing bodies.
In psychology, deference may refer to the act of showing respect or submission to authority figures or individuals with expertise in a particular area.
In law, deference may involve giving weight or consideration to the opinions or decisions of higher courts or legal authorities.
In business, deference can be seen in the practice of deferring to senior leaders or executives when making important decisions.
In education, deference may be demonstrated by students towards teachers or by junior faculty towards more experienced professors.
In the writing profession, deference may be shown towards editors, publishers, or fellow writers in terms of accepting feedback, making revisions, or acknowledging expertise in a particular genre or style.
Psychologists may demonstrate deference towards colleagues with more experience or expertise in a specific area of psychology, such as research methodology or clinical practice. They may also show deference towards clients by respecting their autonomy and decision-making abilities.
Doctors may exhibit deference towards senior medical professionals, specialists, or experts in a particular field of medicine. They may also show deference towards patients by listening to their concerns, respecting their preferences, and involving them in treatment decisions.
Lawyers may display deference towards judges, senior partners, or legal scholars in terms of following court procedures, seeking guidance on complex legal issues, or respecting precedents. They may also show deference towards clients by prioritizing their interests and maintaining confidentiality.