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Deference Definition & Meaning

deference
noun
  1. a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard; "his deference to her wishes was very flattering"; "be sure to give my respects to the dean"
  2. courteous regard for people's feelings; "in deference to your wishes"; "out of respect for his privacy"
  3. a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others

Usage tips for "deference"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "deference" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for deference to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does deference mean?
a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard; "his deference to her wishes was very flattering"; "be sure to give my respects to the dean" courteous regard for people's feelings; "in deference to your wishes"; "out of respect for his privacy" a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
What part of speech is deference?
Deference is a noun.
How many definitions does deference have?
Deference has 3 definitions across 1 part of speech (noun).

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