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Webster 1913 Edition


Deference

Def′er-ence

,
Noun.
[F.
déférence
. 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 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.

Webster 1828 Edition


Deference

DEFERENCE

,
Noun.
1.
A yielding in opinion; submission of judgment to the opinion or judgment of another. Hence, regard; respect. We often decline acting in opposition to those for whose wisdom we have a great deference.
2.
Complaisance; condescension.
3.
Submission.

Definition 2024


deference

deference

See also: déférence

English

Noun

deference (countable and uncountable, plural deferences)

  1. Great respect.
    The children treated their elders with deference.
  2. The willingness to carry out the wishes of others.
    By tidying his room, he showed deference to his mother.

Translations

Synonyms