Deference

Pronunciation: /ˈdɛfərəns/

Definitions of deference

noun polite respect or submission to the wishes or opinions of another

Example Sentences

A1 She showed deference to her elders by always listening to their advice.

A2 In some cultures, deference to authority figures is highly valued.

B1 The student demonstrated deference towards the professor by addressing him as 'Dr. Smith'.

B2 The CEO expected deference from his employees, but also valued their input and ideas.

C1 The diplomat showed deference to the foreign leader during the negotiations.

C2 His deference towards his mentor was evident in the way he always sought her advice before making important decisions.

Examples of deference in a Sentence

formal In deference to the elders, the young members of the community always waited for their turn to speak.

informal Out of deference for her feelings, he decided not to bring up the topic again.

slang I ain't showing no deference to no one who don't deserve it.

figurative The artist painted the portrait with great deference to the subject's unique features.

Grammatical Forms of deference

• past tense: deferred
• plural: deferences
• comparative: more deferential
• superlative: most deferential
• present tense: defer
• future tense: will defer
• perfect tense: have deferred
• continuous tense: is deferring
• singular: deference
• positive degree: deferential
• infinitive: to defer
• gerund: deferring
• participle: deferred

Origin and Evolution of deference

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'deference' originated from the Latin word 'deferre', which means 'to carry away'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'deference' has evolved to mean showing respect or yielding to the opinion or judgment of another, reflecting a sense of courtesy and humility.