de
fe
rence
Plural
deferences
1
a respectful gesture or expression that shows admiration or esteem toward someone
- The students stood in deference to the entering professor.
- He bowed his head in deference to the elder's wisdom.
- Out of deference, she waited for her host to speak first.
- The staff spoke with deference when addressing the ambassador.
- They observed a moment of silence in deference to the victims.
Synonyms:
2
a willingness or habit of submitting to the opinions or authority of others
- In deference to his manager's judgment, he agreed to postpone the launch.
- Her deference to tradition sometimes limited her creativity.
- The committee acted in deference to the board's final decision.
- Out of deference to his elders, he remained silent during the discussion.
- The diplomat showed deference to the host country's customs.
3
considerate respect for another person's feelings or preferences
- She declined to argue further, in deference to his fragile mood.
- The journalist avoided intrusive questions out of deference to the grieving family.
- In deference to her friend's wishes, he changed the subject.
- The speech was worded carefully in deference to cultural sensitivities.
- He adjusted his tone in deference to the seriousness of the occasion.
Synonyms: