Deference

Deference
Deference Def"er*ence, n. [F. d['e]f['e]rence. See 3d {Defer}.] A yielding of judgment or preference from respect to the wishes or opinion of another; submission in opinion; regard; respect; complaisance. [1913 Webster]

Deference to the authority of thoughtful and sagacious men. --Whewell. [1913 Webster]

Deference is the most complicate, the most indirect, and the most elegant of all compliments. --Shenstone.

Syn: {Deference}, {Reverence}, {Respect}.

Usage: 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. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • déférence — [ deferɑ̃s ] n. f. • 1392; de déférer ♦ Considération respectueuse que l on témoigne à qqn, souvent en raison de son âge ou de sa qualité. ⇒ respect. Traiter qqn avec déférence. Avoir de la déférence pour qqn. Marques de déférence. «… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • deference — [def′ər əns] n. [Fr déférence < L deferens, prp. of deferre: see DEFER2] 1. a yielding in opinion, judgment, or wishes 2. courteous regard or respect SYN. HONOR in deference to out of regard or respect for (a person or the person s position or …   English World dictionary

  • déférence — DÉFÉRENCE. s. f. Condescendance. Avoir de la déférence pour l âge, pour le mérite, pour la dignité de quelqu un, lui rendre de grandes déférences …   Dictionnaire de l'Académie Française 1798

  • deference — 1640s, from Fr. déférence (16c.), from déférer (see DEFER (Cf. defer) (2)) …   Etymology dictionary

  • deference — [n1] obedience, compliance acquiescence, capitulation, complaisance, condescension, docility, obeisance, submission, yielding; concept 633 Ant. disobedience, impoliteness, noncompliance deference [n2] attention, homage acclaim, civility,… …   New thesaurus

  • deference — Deference. s. f. Respect. Avoir de la deference pour l âge, pour le merite, pour la dignité de quelqu un, luy rendre de grandes deferences …   Dictionnaire de l'Académie française

  • deference — I noun acquiescence, assent, complaisance, compliance, consideration, courtesy, esteem, honor, nonresistance, obedience, politeness, regard, respect, respectfulness, submission, submissiveness, submittal, willingness II index allegiance,… …   Law dictionary

  • deference — reverence, homage, *honor, obeisance Analogous words: veneration, worship, adoration (see under REVERE): respect, esteem, admiration, *regard Antonyms: disrespect Contrasted words: disdain, scorn, contempt, despite (see under DESPISE) …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • deference — ► NOUN ▪ humble submission and respect …   English terms dictionary

  • Deference — For the legal doctrine, see Judicial deference. Not to be confused with Difference. Submission redirects here. For other uses, see Submission (disambiguation). Deferential redirects here. It is not to be confused with Differential. Deference… …   Wikipedia

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