deference in English
- deference⇄deference, noun.
1. a yielding to the judgment, opinion, or wishes of another; courteous submission.
2. great respect.
Ex. Boys and girls should show deference to persons who are much older and wiser. - deference⇄expr. in deference to, out of respect for the wishes or authority of.
Ex. ... the resignation of a Prime Minister in deference to the will of the House of Commons (Homersham Cox). - deference⇄expr. pay (or show) deference to, to submit to the superior claims, skill, judgment, or other qualities of another.
Ex. Now, Sir, you shall stay and see what a deference they pay to my skill and authority (Richard Estcourt).
deference in Sindhi سنڌي
deference in Telugu తెలుగు
Deference
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈdɛfərəns/
Definitions
- 1. Humble submission and respect.
- 2. The act of yielding to the judgment, opinion, or will of another.
- 3. Courteous regard for people's feelings, opinions, or traditions.
Usage Examples
- "He showed deference to his elders by standing when they entered the room." (Meaning: respect)
- "In deference to her wishes, we postponed the meeting." (Meaning: yielding)
- "The student showed great deference towards the professor’s opinion." (Meaning: humble submission)
Etymology
The word "deference" originates from the Latin verb "deferre," meaning "to carry away" or "to yield." It evolved in Old French and Middle English to mean the act of showing respect or yielding to someone else's judgment. The word combines "de-" (away) and "ferre" (to carry).
Synonyms
- Respect
- Reverence
- Regard
- Honor
- Submission
Antonyms
- Disrespect
- Contempt
- Defiance
- Disregard
- Disobedience
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Deferencia | /de.feˈɾenθja/ |
| French | Déférence | /de.fe.ʁɑ̃s/ |
| German | Huldigung | /ˈhʊl.dɪˌɡʊŋ/ |
| Italian | Deferenza | /de.feˈrɛn.tsa/ |
| Portuguese | Deferência | /dɛfeˈɾẽsiɐ/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 敬意 | /jìngyì/ |
| Japanese | 敬意 | /keii/ |
| Korean | 존경 | /jon-gyeong/ |
| Russian | почтение | /pɐɕˈtʲenʲɪje/ |
| Arabic | احترام | /iḥtirām/ |
| Hindi | आदर | /ādar/ |
| Bengali | সম্মান | /sômmān/ |
| Marathi | आदर | /ādar/ |
| Punjabi | ਆਦਰ | /ādar/ |
| Gujarati | આદર | /ādar/ |
| Telugu | ఆदरము | /ādaramu/ |
| Kannada | ಆದರ | /ādhara/ |
| Malayalam | ആദരവ് | /ādaraṯ/ |
| Odia | ଆଦର | /ādar/ |
| Assamese | আদৰ | /ādar/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
While the standard pronunciation of "deference" is generally consistent, in some regional dialects, such as in parts of the United States, the "r" sound may be less emphasized or softened, especially in non-rhotic accents. In British English, the pronunciation tends to be more formal and enunciated clearly.
Historical Usage
The word "deference" was first recorded in English in the early 14th century. It originally referred to the act of yielding to a superior's judgment or authority, particularly in formal contexts like law and government. Over time, the term expanded to encompass any respectful or courteous regard for others, regardless of rank.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, deference is seen as a key aspect of respect, especially towards elders or authority figures. In hierarchical societies, such as in parts of Asia, deference to one's elders and superiors is a deeply ingrained cultural practice. In contrast, more egalitarian cultures may place less emphasis on deference, favoring open dialogue and equal respect among all individuals.
More Information
Deference is a concept that plays an important role in social interactions, governance, and communication. It reflects a person's willingness to acknowledge and respect the opinions, authority, and feelings of others. In various fields, including law, politics, and education, deference is essential in maintaining harmony and ensuring that decisions are made in an informed and respectful manner.