air of deference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "air of deference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a manner or attitude that shows respect or submission towards someone else. Example: "She entered the room with an air of deference, acknowledging the authority of her superiors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

They exude a faint, but perceptible air of deference.

The Guardian

In the wake of the show, Letterman adopted an air of deference toward Hillary Clinton.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They do not fling business cards across tables during meetings, but present them standing, with an air of Asian deference.

The New York Times

The era marked the end of the age of deference.

Independent

The age of deference is well and truly dead.

The Guardian - Opinion

So the age of deference is not quite dead.

The Guardian

The age of deference is not dead yet.

The Guardian

The age of deference has passed and a good thing too.

The Guardian - Opinion

The fitter's relationship with their client is a balancing act of deference and authority.

Independent

Isn't the age of deference as dead as Wagner's chances of staging a comeback?

Independent

Secrets and paranoia were in the air, and the waning of Britain's culture of deference meant that the papers were increasingly willing to print them.The son of a publican, Mr Pincher worked behind his parents' bar as a teenager, honing an ability to chat with people at all levels of society.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "air of deference" to subtly convey respect or submission, especially when describing someone's overall attitude or presence. It's more nuanced than simply stating someone is respectful.

Common error

Avoid using "air of deference" in casual or informal settings. It can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation. Consider using a simpler phrase like "respectful" or "polite" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "air of deference" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It describes a quality or manner exhibited by a person or entity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "air of deference" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, although Ludwig's examples suggest it's not particularly common. It functions as a noun phrase, describing a manner characterized by respect and submission. While appropriate for formal contexts, using alternatives like "respectful demeanor" or "deferential manner" may be more suitable in informal settings. Using "air of deference" is a subtle way of hinting an attitude and can be used to create a feeling of distance from the character.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deferential manner

Highlights politeness and respect in conduct.

respectful air

Changes the noun while keeping the adjective respectful.

respectful demeanor

Focuses on outward behavior showing respect.

submissive attitude

Emphasizes willingness to yield to authority.

reverential attitude

Emphasizes deep respect and admiration.

humble bearing

Suggests modesty and lack of arrogance.

obeisant behavior

Implies dutiful compliance and reverence.

servile manner

Conveys excessive submissiveness, potentially negative.

acquiescent disposition

Focuses on a tendency to agree or comply.

yielding presence

Highlights a willingness to give way or concede.

FAQs

How can I use "air of deference" in a sentence?

You can use "air of deference" to describe someone's attitude or behavior that shows respect or submission. For example, "She spoke to her manager with an air of deference."

What's a more straightforward way to say "air of deference"?

Alternatives include "respectful demeanor", "deferential manner", or "respectful air", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "air of deference" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "air of deference" is suitable for formal writing when you want to describe a subtle but noticeable attitude of respect or submission.

What is the difference between "air of deference" and "servile manner"?

"Air of deference" suggests respectful submission, while "servile manner" implies excessive and often demeaning submissiveness. The latter carries a negative connotation.