deference

USAGE SUMMARY

'deference' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it whenever you mean to show or express respect to someone. Example: He showed deference to the teacher by bowing his head politely.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The prime minister is sensitive to lese-majesty; Warsi doesn't do deference.

The Guardian - Opinion

Public mistrust of government is high in Britain, and deference to the political elite has also collapsed as economic woes erode living standards.

The Guardian

In deference to his ancestors, if nothing else, you would expect him to agree that his decision to play tennis was influenced by the fact that both his great-grandmother, Ellen Stawell-Brown, and his grandfather, Henry Billington, competed at Wimbledon.

The Guardian - Sport

Hadil Ghoneim, whose YA novel A Year in Qenawas was on this year's Etisalat shortlist, fears that YA authors' deference to taboos may be holding their books back.

The Guardian - Books

We had long since seen the death of deference to authority, which helped Attlee.

The Guardian

The resulting Profumo affair heralded the fall of Harold Macmillan's Tory government, and with it a substantial erosion of the deference shown to the upper classes.

The Guardian

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

The Guardian - Opinion

It was unclear why the supreme court declined to hear the case – whether in deference to lower courts or for a more fundamental reason.

The Guardian

With this in mind, perhaps, Chief Justice Roberts seemed to recognize through his questioning Tuesday that it would be difficult to reconcile a vote against the individual mandate with the prior decisions of the court and the court's historic deference to the elected branches.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the involvement of Sabbahi, who finished third in Egypt's 2012 presidential elections, means there will be a credible contest, despite other potential candidates opting out of the race in deference to Sisi.

The Guardian

Although Lyon is shedding its insularity and deference to Paris, it is still a racially divided place and very much a work-in-progress to become a truly cosmopolitan city.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deference", ensure that the context makes it clear to whom or what the deference is being shown. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "deference" when you simply mean politeness or respect in a general sense. "Deference" implies a specific yielding to someone of higher status or expertise, not just being courteous.

Linguistic Context

The noun "deference" functions to denote a yielding or submission to the judgment, opinion, or will of another, often due to respect, authority, or expertise. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness. Examples show its use in contexts involving respect for ancestors, political elites, and legal decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deference" is a noun indicating respect and submission to authority or another's will. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used. It is commonly found in news and media contexts. When using "deference", ensure the context clearly identifies to whom or what the deference is shown. Avoid using it merely to indicate general politeness. Remember that "deference" specifically implies yielding to higher status or expertise, as exemplified in the various source excerpts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Due respect

Stresses the importance of giving the appropriate level of respect that someone deserves.

Respectful regard

Focuses on the high esteem and consideration given to someone.

Obeying with respect

Combines the act of obeying with an attitude of respect.

Respectful submission

Emphasizes the act of yielding to another's authority with respect.

Considerate compliance

Highlights compliance that is thoughtful and shows consideration for others.

Yielding to authority

Focuses on the act of giving way to someone's superior position or power.

Showing courtesy

Focuses on displaying politeness and respect in one's actions.

Acknowledge authority

Highlights the act of recognizing and respecting someone's power or position.

Heedful obedience

Emphasizes obedience that is attentive and careful.

Reverential compliance

Highlights compliance driven by deep respect and admiration.

FAQs

How is "deference" typically used in a sentence?

"Deference" is often used to describe showing respect or yielding to someone of higher authority or expertise. For example, "The students showed "deference" to their professor by listening attentively."

What are some alternatives to the word "deference"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "respect", "compliance", "reverence", or "submission".

When is it appropriate to use "deference" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "deference" when you want to emphasize the act of yielding to someone or something considered superior in rank, knowledge, or authority. It is best used in formal contexts or when highlighting hierarchical relationships.

What's the difference between "deference" and "courtesy"?

"Deference" implies a yielding or submission to someone or something due to their superior status or expertise, while "courtesy" simply refers to politeness and good manners without necessarily implying a power dynamic.