Deference
noun
Polite respect shown to others, especially those in a higher position or role.
In deference to his teacher, he stopped talking when she entered the room.
Often appears as...
- show deference
- in deference to
noun
The act of giving way to someone or something because of respect or consideration.
In deference to his wishes, we cancelled the party.
Often appears as...
- in deference to
- show deference
noun
Polite respect shown to others, especially those in a higher position or role.
In deference to his teacher, he stopped talking when she entered the room.
Often appears as...
- show deference
- in deference to
noun
The act of giving way to someone or something because of respect or consideration.
In deference to his wishes, we cancelled the party.
Often appears as...
- in deference to
- show deference
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Hierarchical Respect
Use 'deference' to express polite respect towards someone higher in rank or status.
She nodded in deference to the company president.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Nuance
'Deference' can imply different levels of respect in different cultures, from modest to very significant.
In many Eastern cultures, deference is shown by bowing deeply.
Pro Tip 3/3Behavioral Indication
'Deference' often involves a visible action or gesture that shows respect.
He removed his hat in deference as the funeral procession passed.
Pro Tip 1/3Hierarchical Respect
Use 'deference' to express polite respect towards someone higher in rank or status.
She nodded in deference to the company president.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Nuance
'Deference' can imply different levels of respect in different cultures, from modest to very significant.
In many Eastern cultures, deference is shown by bowing deeply.
Pro Tip 3/3Behavioral Indication
'Deference' often involves a visible action or gesture that shows respect.
He removed his hat in deference as the funeral procession passed.
Pro Tip 1/3Hierarchical Respect
Use 'deference' to express polite respect towards someone higher in rank or status.
She nodded in deference to the company president.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Nuance
'Deference' can imply different levels of respect in different cultures, from modest to very significant.
In many Eastern cultures, deference is shown by bowing deeply.
Pro Tip 3/3Behavioral Indication
'Deference' often involves a visible action or gesture that shows respect.
He removed his hat in deference as the funeral procession passed.
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Video examples
Jonathan Haidt: The...
We get to exercise some ancient drives. The fourth foundation is authority/respect. Here you see submissive gestures from two members of very closely related species. But authority in humans is not so closely based on power and brutality as it is in other primates. It's based on more voluntary deference and even elements of love, at times.
Video examples
Einstein's miracle year...
But skipping classes to spend more time in the lab and neglecting to show proper deference to his professors had derailed his intended career path. Passed over even for a lab assistant position, he had to settle for a job at the Swiss patent office, obtained with the help of a friend's father.
Video examples
Bat-Eared Foxes PIPE...
exhibiting deference asking for the daughter and that's just what the found Papa wanted and so the bat-eared Fox life cycle begins again
Video examples
Jonathan Haidt: The...
We get to exercise some ancient drives. The fourth foundation is authority/respect. Here you see submissive gestures from two members of very closely related species. But authority in humans is not so closely based on power and brutality as it is in other primates. It's based on more voluntary deference and even elements of love, at times.
Video examples
Einstein's miracle year...
But skipping classes to spend more time in the lab and neglecting to show proper deference to his professors had derailed his intended career path. Passed over even for a lab assistant position, he had to settle for a job at the Swiss patent office, obtained with the help of a friend's father.
Video examples
Bat-Eared Foxes PIPE...
exhibiting deference asking for the daughter and that's just what the found Papa wanted and so the bat-eared Fox life cycle begins again
Example 1 of 3
Quote examples
Sean Brady
Irish Clergyman
With others, I feel betrayed that those who had the authority in the Church to stop Brendan Smyth failed to act on the evidence I gave them. However, I also accept that I was part of an unhelpful culture of deference and silence in society and the Church, which thankfully is now a thing of the past.
Quote examples
Karl Iagnemma
American Writer
In Singapore, drivers generally obey the rules, but the attitude around pedestrians is actually quite different. It's culturally different. People drive safely, but it's not the same deference shown to pedestrians.
Quote examples
Angelo Scola
Italian Clergyman
We show deference to the civil authorities when they respect the divine origin of their power and when they serve the people with objective reference to the law of God.
Quote examples
Rick Wilson
American Author
For Trump, there's always a dark conspiracy arrayed against him. Someone is always doing him an injustice by not treating him with the required deference.
Quote examples
Peter Bergen
American Journalist
Bin Laden was intelligent, well-informed, and low key. The people around him treated him with great deference, calling him 'sheikh,' a term of respect.
Quote examples
Susan Collins
American Politician
What I find is with all due deference to - deference to our male colleagues, that women's styles tend to be more collaborative.
Quote examples
Joachim Low
German Coach
I take sporting criticism on board very keenly and with deference, and I also try to make decisions based on it.
Quote examples
James Woolsey
American Public Servant
Countries are effectively paid deference in direct and indirect ways if they're huge oil suppliers.
Quote examples
Christopher Voss
American Businessman
There is great power in deference. Deference works with everybody.
Quote examples
Walter Savage Landor
English Poet
Great men always pay deference to greater.
Quote examples
Sean Brady
Irish Clergyman
With others, I feel betrayed that those who had the authority in the Church to stop Brendan Smyth failed to act on the evidence I gave them. However, I also accept that I was part of an unhelpful culture of deference and silence in society and the Church, which thankfully is now a thing of the past.
Quote examples
Karl Iagnemma
American Writer
In Singapore, drivers generally obey the rules, but the attitude around pedestrians is actually quite different. It's culturally different. People drive safely, but it's not the same deference shown to pedestrians.
Quote examples
Angelo Scola
Italian Clergyman
We show deference to the civil authorities when they respect the divine origin of their power and when they serve the people with objective reference to the law of God.
Quote examples
Rick Wilson
American Author
For Trump, there's always a dark conspiracy arrayed against him. Someone is always doing him an injustice by not treating him with the required deference.
Quote examples
Peter Bergen
American Journalist
Bin Laden was intelligent, well-informed, and low key. The people around him treated him with great deference, calling him 'sheikh,' a term of respect.
Quote examples
Susan Collins
American Politician
What I find is with all due deference to - deference to our male colleagues, that women's styles tend to be more collaborative.
Quote examples
Joachim Low
German Coach
I take sporting criticism on board very keenly and with deference, and I also try to make decisions based on it.
Quote examples
James Woolsey
American Public Servant
Countries are effectively paid deference in direct and indirect ways if they're huge oil suppliers.
Quote examples
Christopher Voss
American Businessman
There is great power in deference. Deference works with everybody.
Quote examples
Walter Savage Landor
English Poet
Great men always pay deference to greater.
Example 1 of 10
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