deference

/ˈdefərəns/ (bre, ipa) · [dˈɛfɚəns] /ˈdefərəns/ (ame, ipa) · [dˈɛfɚəns] /ˈde-fə-rən(t)s How to pronounce deference (audio) ˈdef-rən(t)s/ (ame, mw)

deference — noun

1. formal respect shown by letting a person, rule, or custom come before your own w

1.名詞C1
釋義

formal respect shown by letting a person, rule, or custom come before your own wishes

例句

Sivan spoke with deference when the school founder entered the hall.

speak with deference to authority

The junior clerk nodded in deference to the judge before sitting down.

in deference to + person

同義詞
  • respect

    broader and can exist between equals without the sense of giving way

  • reverence

    stronger and more emotional, often linked to awe or devotion

  • courtesy

    focuses on polite behaviour rather than yielding to status or authority

反義詞
  • defiance

    open resistance instead of yielding respectfully

  • disrespect

    lack of polite regard for the other person's standing

文法句型

deference to + person/rule/custom

in deference to

out of deference to

用法筆記

Usually followed by 'to' when you name the person, rule, or custom receiving this respect. Common in the fixed phrases 'in deference to' and 'out of deference to', especially when someone changes their behaviour because another person or tradition is given higher standing.

常見錯誤

❌She showed deference for the judge.
✅She showed deference to the judge.
💡deference normally takes 'to' when you name the person or institution you yield to.