Advanced and Proficiency Vocabulary for Exams(e.g.GRE, Banks, Civil Services, SAT / LSAT). For IELTS/TOEFL, and everyday spoken vocabulary, go to our Spoken Vocabulary Database.
The word ‘deference’ expresses a courteous regard for somebody else. Such behaviour typically stems from either genuine respect or a sense of duty you feel towards somebody elderly or in a position of authority, or from a deceitful attempt to win favour. The former is seen as a positive, the latter as something to be criticized.
Exam DB | Spoken DB | Other | |
---|---|---|---|
Synonyms | veneration | reverence, homage, | |
Antonyms | defiance, contempt, disregard, |
It’s nice to see that boy show his grandfather such deference. It’s a clear sign that he has been raised well.
You don’t really respect your manager. You’re just being deferential to her so you can get that big promotion.
Due to his wealth, the billionaire says that everywhere he goes he is treated with great deference.