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deference

Noun

IPA /ˈdefərəns/

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Meaning in plain English

Respect shown by taking another person's wishes, position or experience seriously, sometimes by allowing their judgement to guide you.

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Pronunciation

deference/ˈdefərəns/

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An experienced engineer offers advice
Trainees listen respectfully
They give the advice serious consideration

Deference shows respect for another person's knowledge, wishes or position.

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We lowered our voices in deference to the sleeping baby.
The trainees listened with deference to the experienced engineer.

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We lowered our voices in ________ to the sleeping baby.

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deference — Respect shown by taking another person's wishes, position or experience seriously, sometimes by allowing their judgement to guide you.

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Respect shown by taking another person's wishes, position or experience seriously, sometimes by allowing their judgement to guide you.

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Word origin

From French deference, related to deferer and ultimately Latin differre.

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In deference to and out of deference to explain why someone acts respectfully.

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