Deference
Etymology
From French déférence, from déférer "to yield, submit, refer to," from Latin deferre "to carry down, bring, refer" (de- "down" plus ferre "to carry"). Deference is a carrying-down of one’s own claim in favor of another’s — submission enacted, not just felt.
noun · /DEF-er-uhns/
The yielding of one’s own judgment or wishes to another out of respect for their standing.
What it names
A handle for a specific action — stepping back and letting someone else’s view or authority prevail — rather than a mere feeling of regard.
Example
Out of deference to the elder surgeon, the younger one held her objection until they were out of the room.
Related idea
Distinct from respect: respect is the inward regard you hold for someone; deference is the outward act of subordinating your judgment to theirs. You can respect someone without deferring to them — and deference given without respect curdles into mere obsequiousness.
See also