pay deference

USAGE SUMMARY

"pay deference" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to show respect, honor, or consideration towards someone or something. One could use it in a sentence like: "I always pay deference to my elders, as I believe in showing respect to those who have more life experience." Here, "pay deference" is used to express the idea of showing respect to older individuals. Another example could be: "The employees were required to pay deference to their boss's decisions, even if they didn't agree with them." In this sentence, "pay deference" is used to convey the idea of showing respect and following authority in the workplace.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Most Americans pay deference to the notion of American exceptionalism, but not Fukuyama.

The Guardian - Books

Where you pay deference to Snake, the founding father of Barbados surfing.

The New York Times - Travel

"There is no reason they feel like they should pay deference to her".

The New York Times

To think that we are required to pay deference to the founders' views on this subject is absurd.

The New Yorker

Ireland have no reason to be cowed or pay deference to New Zealand but very few sides beat the All Blacks twice in a row.

The Guardian - Sport

The next year, in S.E.C. v. Randolph, the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the decision, saying "the courts should pay deference to the judgment of the government agency which has negotiated and submitted the proposed settlement".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Paying deference to legislative judgments is a touchstone of Breyer's philosophy.

The New Yorker

To which Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg replied, in effect, what about paying deference to the Clean Water Act?

The New York Times

Sagan paid deference to high culture: he drew his comparisons from ancient history and his vocabulary from literature.

The New Yorker

Kaboul then walked up to Nani and sort of inclined his head towards him as if either paying deference or threatening the full-on nose-destroyer.

The Telegraph

This isn't "Law & Order"; it is perfect-SAT territory, a cop show that pays deference to the culture of achievement and to an audience of affluent viewers.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pay deference", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is being respected. Providing specific examples of the actions taken to show respect can strengthen the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pay deference" in situations where simple acknowledgement or agreement is sufficient. The phrase implies a significant level of respect or honor, so use it judiciously to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pay deference" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of showing respect or honor. It describes the act of acknowledging someone's superior status, knowledge, or position. Ludwig examples show it used in contexts where traditions, authorities, or established norms are being acknowledged.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pay deference" is a verb phrase used to express respect or honor towards someone or something. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Academia. When writing, remember that "pay deference" implies a notable level of respect, more so than simply acknowledging something. Consider the context and choose alternative phrases like "show respect" or "defer to" if a lower degree of respect is intended. Understanding its nuanced meaning and proper contexts ensures its effective use in conveying appropriate levels of respect and acknowledgement in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defer to

Focuses on yielding to someone else's judgment or authority.

show respect

Emphasizes the act of displaying respect, often in a more general sense.

give recognition to

Highlights the act of acknowledging someone's achievements or status.

honor

A more concise and direct way of expressing respect and admiration.

esteem

Indicates a high level of respect and admiration, often for personal qualities.

venerate

Implies a deep and often religious respect.

revere

Suggests a feeling of profound respect and awe.

kowtow to

Suggests excessive deference, sometimes to the point of obsequiousness.

yield to

Emphasizes submission to another's will or opinion.

accede to

Highlights agreement or compliance, often under pressure.

FAQs

How to use "pay deference" in a sentence?

You can use "pay deference" to describe showing respect or honor. For instance, "It is important to "pay deference" to cultural traditions".

What can I say instead of "pay deference"?

Alternatives include "show respect", "defer to", or "give recognition to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "pay deference"?

Use "pay deference" when you want to emphasize the act of showing considerable respect or honor to someone or something, often due to their authority, experience, or cultural significance.

What's the difference between "pay deference" and "respect"?

"Respect" is a general term for admiration, while ""pay deference"" implies a more active and demonstrative form of showing that respect, often through specific actions or behaviors.