Words / C2

DEF-uh-r-uh-ns/ˈdefərəns/

Deference is polite yielding to another’s wishes or judgement, out of respect: in deference to, show deference. Respect (already in the dictionary) is everyday high regard; courtesy (already in the dictionary) is polite behaviour. Obsequious (already in the dictionary) is too eager to please power — deference gone fawning — and insolent (already in the dictionary) is insultingly rude, the opposite flavour. Yielding to a brand film does not date an ethics form.

Meaning

Polite yielding to another’s wishes or judgement, out of respect.

Examples

• “Deference to the brand film does not date the ethics form.”
• “Respect is everyday high regard (already in B1). Courtesy is polite behaviour (already in B1). Obsequious is fawning (already in C2) — too much yielding. Insolent is insultingly rude (already in C2) — the contrast. Heat for a method can still be exact. Heat instead of a dated clause is theatre. Write the date; leave the bow.”

Good to know

Respectful yielding. Everyday: respect / courtesy (already in this dictionary). Contrast: obsequious (fawning — already in C2); insolent (rude — already in C2). A bow ≠ an ethics date.

Near in meaning

respect, regard, yielding, courtesy

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