deference

UK: /ˈdɛfərəns/ US: /ˈdɛfərəns/ ,(def′ər əns)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

def•er•ence /ˈdɛfərəns/   n. [uncountable]

1. respectful yielding to the will of another:
   In deference to her superior knowledge, I decided to follow her advice.
2. respectful or courteous behavior or attitude toward:
   treated her with deference.

See -fer-. def•er•en•tial /ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/  adj. 
def•er•en•tial•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

def•er•ence  (def′ər əns), n. 

1. respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.
2. respectful or courteous regard:
   in deference to his wishes.

• French déférence, Middle French, equivalent. to defer(er) to defer² + -ence -ence
• 1640–50

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

deference / ˈdɛfərəns/ noun

1. submission to or compliance with the will, wishes, etc, of another
2. courteous regard; respect

Etymology: 17th Century: from French déférence; see defer²