English noun: deference | |||
1. | deference (act) a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard | ||
Samples | His deference to her wishes was very flattering. Be sure to give my respects to the dean. | ||
Synonyms | respect | ||
Broader (hypernym) | civility, politeness | ||
Narrower (hyponym) | court, homage, last respects, props | ||
2. | deference (attribute) courteous regard for people's feelings | ||
Samples | In deference to your wishes. Out of respect for his privacy. | ||
Synonyms | respect, respectfulness | ||
Broader (hypernym) | courtesy, good manners | ||
3. | deference (attribute) a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others | ||
Synonyms | complaisance, compliance, compliancy, obligingness | ||
Broader (hypernym) | agreeability, agreeableness | ||