deference
gb/dˈɛfɚəns/ us/dˈɛfɚəns/
C1
English
~ 27400
tisztelet, valakire/vmire való tekintettel
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
1
tisztelet
A2
Usage pattern:
deference to [someone/something]
The new manager treats the senior staff with great deference.
Az új vezető nagy tisztelettel bánik a rangidős munkatársakkal.
Out of deference to her parents, he stayed for the entire family dinner.
A szülei iránti tiszteletből végig ott maradt a családi vacsorán.
Judges are often shown considerable deference in the courtroom.
There is too much deference to tradition in this organization.
He spoke to the ambassador with obvious deference.
Learner examples
Students are expected to show deference to their teachers.
Elvárják a diákoktól, hogy tiszteletet mutassanak a tanáraik iránt.
She listened in deference to her doctor’s advice.
Az orvosa tanácsa iránti tiszteletből hallgatott rá.
Many people show deference to older family members.
He bowed his head in deference to the king.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "deference" with "difference" because the words sound similar. "Deference" is about respect, while "difference" is about things not being the same. Another common mistake is using it without "to": in most modern uses you say "deference to someone/something," not just "deference for" or "deference of."
Meaning
respectful submission or regard
Collocations
show deference
|pay deference
|in deference to
|proper deference
|due deference
|lack of deference
Synonyms
respect (Broader and more common; does not always include the idea of accepting another’s judgment or authority.)
|
reverence (Stronger and more emotional, often used for religious feelings or very deep admiration.)
Antonyms
disrespect (Shows a lack of politeness or regard for someone’s status or feelings, the opposite of a deferential attitude.)
|
defiance (Active resistance to someone’s authority or wishes, rather than polite acceptance.)
Themes
politeness
|social
|work
|culture
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Respectful attitude that accepts another person’s wishes, ideas, or power, often because they are older, more important, or know more.
Polite and respectful submission or regard for another person’s wishes, opinions, status, or authority.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
in deference to [someone/something]
The ceremony was moved indoors in deference to the elderly guests.
Az ünnepséget az idős vendégekre való tekintettel zárt térbe helyezték át.
In deference to local customs, visitors are asked to cover their shoulders.
A helyi szokásokra való tekintettel a látogatókat arra kérik, hogy takarják el a vállukat.
The committee delayed its decision in deference to the chairman’s request.
The article used simpler language in deference to its younger readers.
They turned down the music early in deference to their neighbors.
Learner examples
The team changed the plan in deference to their coach.
A csapat az edzőjére való tekintettel megváltoztatta a tervet.
We started the meeting late in deference to the guests who arrived slowly.
A lassan érkező vendégekre való tekintettel később kezdtük a megbeszélést.
He spoke quietly in deference to the sleeping baby.
The company added warnings in deference to new safety rules.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say "with deference to" when they mean the common fixed phrase "in deference to". Also, they may think it means simple cause ("because of") without the idea of respect. The phrase "in deference to" usually means both "because of" AND "to show respect for" someone’s wishes, needs, or rules.
Meaning
yielding to others out of respect
Collocations
in deference to his wishes
|in deference to local customs
|in deference to the court
|in deference to safety concerns
|acted in deference to
|changed plans in deference to
Synonyms
compliance (Focuses more on obeying rules or requests; it does not always include the idea of respect, which deference usually has.)
|
submission (Stronger and can sound negative, suggesting giving up power, while deference can be voluntary and polite.)
Antonyms
resistance (Refusal to change behavior or follow someone’s wishes, the opposite of yielding in deference.)
|
assertiveness (Firmly following one’s own wishes instead of changing them for someone else.)
Themes
politeness
|social
|law
|work
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
When you change what you do, or let another person decide, because you respect them or their wishes.
The act of yielding or adjusting one’s actions or decisions to match another person’s wishes, needs, or rules out of respect.
Grammar
Dictionary form
deference
IPA
GB/dˈɛfɚəns/
US/dˈɛfɚəns/
Syllables & stress
de - fer - ence (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (de)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: deference
- Plural: deference
Word family
Core family
defer
verb B2
deferential
adjective
Related words
deferral
noun
deferment
noun
Negative and opposite forms
disrespect
noun
disrespectful
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
deferentially
adverb
Expressions
in deference to
1/ˈɪn dˈɛfɚəns tə/
fixed phrase
formal
do or change something out of respect
To do something, or change what you do, in order to respect someone’s wishes, needs, rules, or feelings.
Examples
- In deference to her parents, he agreed to hold a small, quiet wedding.
- The concert was shortened in deference to local noise regulations.
- They removed the jokes about religion in deference to more sensitive audience members.
out of deference to
1/ˈaʊt əv dˈɛfɚəns tə/
fixed phrase
formal
act because you respect someone
Because you respect someone’s wishes, needs, or position, you act in a certain way.
Examples
- Out of deference to his mentor, he declined to comment publicly on the issue.
- She wore dark colors out of deference to the family’s grief.