gesture of deference

USAGE SUMMARY

"gesture of deference" is a correct phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or expression that shows respect, admiration, or submission to someone of higher status or authority. Example: As the new boss entered the room, all the employees stood up as a gesture of deference.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was a simple but symbolic gesture of deference.

The New York Times - Sports

At a gathering on January 10th, for example, was she bestowing her blessing when he put her right hand on his forehead in a traditional gesture of deference?

The Economist

Mr. Reid said he and other Senate Democrats had shifted course after seeing the version of the spending bill approved by the House last week, a rare gesture of deference by the upper chamber of Congress to the lower one.

The New York Times

With the approach of the hurricane, however, the mayoral decrees ordering a subway shutdown and coastal evacuations had the aspect of a communal gesture of deference and awe — an act of end-time civic piety as much as a robustly sensible measure of emergency preparedness.

The New Yorker

It's a small, perhaps unconscious gesture of deference to Corey, and I applaud him for allowing Leah and Corey to act as the family they once were, before divorce complicated things.

Huffington Post

"Not trying to be a dick, just… can I see?" He blew a little smoke and turned his head off to the side as he did it; I saw this as a gesture of deference, of trying to make me see that he wasn't blowing smoke in my direction.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Her final humiliation came when she flew to Miami to collect the boy an extraordinary gesture for an attorney-general to make and then flew out last Thursday empty handed.Many people blame this excess of deference on the political power of Miami's vociferous Cuban-Americans.

The Economist

Perhaps out of deference to the club?

The New York Times

Greed explains the survival of deference.

The Guardian - Opinion

It smacked of deference or, worse, manipulation.

The New York Times - Arts

But the culture of deference to Oh has seemingly ended.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions in professional settings, use "gesture of deference" to emphasize respect for hierarchy or protocol. This conveys understanding of organizational structure and social dynamics.

Common error

Avoid using "gesture of deference" when the situation requires assertiveness or direct communication. Deference can be misinterpreted as a sign of lacking confidence, especially in leadership roles.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gesture of deference" functions as a noun phrase. It describes a specific action or expression intended to show respect, submission, or high regard towards someone or something. It is used to name or identify an instance of respectful behavior, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gesture of deference" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an action showing respect or submission. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and relevance. While relatively uncommon, its use is appropriate in neutral to professional settings. It effectively communicates acknowledgment of another's authority or status, as evidenced in real-world examples primarily sourced from news and media. When aiming for precision and a nuanced understanding of social dynamics, "gesture of deference" offers a valuable addition to one's linguistic toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show of respect

Highlights the demonstration of respect, suitable for various contexts.

act of reverence

Focuses on the respectful action itself, emphasizing deep respect or veneration.

expression of reverence

Highlights the feeling of deep respect and admiration.

act of homage

Suggests a formal and public acknowledgment of allegiance or respect.

act of submission

Directly conveys the idea of yielding to power or authority.

sign of submission

Emphasizes yielding to another's authority or power.

show of acquiescence

Emphasizes agreement and acceptance of another's decision or authority.

courtesy gesture

Implies politeness and good manners, softening the implication of subordination.

bow of respect

A physical action indicating respect.

token of esteem

Focuses on valuing or admiring someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "gesture of deference" to describe actions that show respect or submission, such as, "Standing when the CEO enters the room is often seen as a "gesture of deference"."

What's a more casual way to express "gesture of deference"?

In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "showing respect" or "being courteous" instead of the more formal ""gesture of deference"".

Is "gesture of deference" always appropriate in professional settings?

While often suitable, ensure the "gesture of deference" is genuine and doesn't undermine your own authority or appear insincere. Context matters.

What is the difference between ""gesture of deference"" and "act of respect"?

"Gesture of deference" specifically implies yielding to someone of higher status, while "act of respect" is a broader term that can apply to anyone deserving of admiration or consideration.