deference

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard
  2. noun courteous regard for people's feelings
  3. noun a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others

Etymology

From French déférence. Morphologically defer + -ence.

In classic literature

Synonyms

respect

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