show of deference

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "show of deference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an act or gesture that demonstrates respect or submission to someone else's authority or opinions. Example: "In a show of deference to her experience, the team decided to follow her recommendations for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Signs of an altered landscape quickly emerged as Mr. Bloomberg, never known for his humility, made an elaborate show of deference.

The New York Times

Is this just sheer cussedness — or, maybe, a show of deference to conservative interest groups that rely, for their victories, more on unelected judges than on Congress?

The New Yorker

The second was a show of deference to Hiroshi Okuda, Toyota's chairman, who heads the Keidanren, a powerful business federation, which stands for company management and is a vocal advocate of both lower labour costs and wage-bargaining reform.

The Economist

Britain's show of deference, including flying flags at half mast, was widely criticised in the wake of a spate of executions in Saudi Arabia and the country's poor human rights record.

Independent

Never mind that he paired it with Jay-Z's "Roc Boys," in a musically strained mash-up; it was a show of deference to his host, as well as a show of impudence.

The New York Times - Arts

Even the lucky few at the top of the new hierarchy would remain insecure, exposed to the envy and malice of those below, albeit hidden behind a show of deference and civility.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

That said, the needle with Larry King early in the book (more or less defused by puppy-dog shows of deference on Morgan's part) is intriguing, and there's a fairly jaw-dropping passage where he describes having Gordon Brown round to watch the footie.

The Guardian - Books

Branagh conveys his contempt for the medic and his certainties with a scathing show of mock-deference to an objective inquisition.

Independent

Queen Elizabeth II is arriving on Thursday, and the club is leaving it up to players whether to show a measure of deference to her before matches.

The New York Times

He showed him plenty of deference before, during and after the first round.

The New York Times

That follows public comments made by Jesse Marsch, accusing match officials of showing a level of deference to veteran Designated Players – especially the ones dressed for NYC FC.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "show of deference" when you want to emphasize an action or gesture that outwardly demonstrates respect or submission to someone or something. It's effective in describing deliberate acts of yielding to authority or acknowledging someone's importance.

Common error

Avoid using "show of deference" sarcastically or when the respect is not genuine. It should reflect a true acknowledgment of someone's position or authority, not a performative act without real meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "show of deference" functions as a noun phrase typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It describes an action or gesture that demonstrates respect or submission. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing political, social, and personal interactions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "show of deference" is a noun phrase denoting an outward act of respect or submission, often toward authority or seniority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, with a 'Uncommon' frequency rating, it frequently appears in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the respect is genuine, and avoid sarcastic or insincere applications. Related phrases include "gesture of respect" and "act of submission", which can be tailored to fit specific contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, this expression is a valuable tool for describing conscious acts of acknowledging another's position or importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expression of respect

Focuses on the communication of respect, rather than the physical act.

gesture of respect

Focuses on the action as a 'gesture', highlighting the courteous aspect.

display of courtesy

Highlights the politeness and good manners involved.

mark of respect

Indicates that the action serves as a symbol or indication of respect.

act of reverence

Replaces 'deference' with 'reverence', implying a deeper sense of respect or admiration.

sign of reverence

Similar to 'act of reverence' but highlights the symbolic representation.

act of submission

Emphasizes the yielding or compliant nature of the action.

paying homage

Indicates showing great respect or honor, often in a ceremonial way.

bowing to authority

Implies yielding to a higher power or established institution.

yielding to seniority

Specifically indicates giving way or deferring to someone with more experience or higher rank.

FAQs

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

You can use "show of deference" to describe an action that demonstrates respect, as in, "The manager's decision to consult the team was a show of deference to their expertise."

What are some alternatives to "show of deference"?

Alternatives include "gesture of respect", "act of submission", or "expression of respect" depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to "show deference"?

Showing deference can be positive when it acknowledges legitimate authority or expertise. However, it can be negative if it's insincere or used to manipulate others.

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

"Show of deference" often implies yielding to authority or seniority, while an "act of respect" can be a broader demonstration of admiration or consideration without necessarily implying submission.