"Deference" Meaning
Deference refers to a feeling or attitude of respect and admiration towards someone, typically someone of higher authority, status, or experience. It involves showing restraint, humility, and a willingness to yield or listen to others, often in a social or professional setting.
"Deference" Examples
Examples of "Deference"
Use of "Deference" in Different Contexts
When a junior employee hesitated to share an idea with the senior manager, the manager showed her deference by giving her the floor and encouraging her to speak up. [Formal situation, positive connotation]
The politician had to walk back his earlier statement after showing deference to his opponent's views, admitting that he may have been wrong. [Formal situation, neutral connotation]
The crowd gave the rockstar deference by singing along to every song, creating a loud and energetic atmosphere. [Informal situation, positive connotation]
In many Asian cultures, it's common to show deference to elders by bowing and using formal titles. [Cultural context, positive connotation]
The new employee felt a bit awkward showing deference to her boss, but she knew it was part of the company culture and tried to adapt. [Formal situation, neutral connotation]
Key Takeaway
"Deference" refers to the act of giving respect or showing humility to someone, often in a formal or professional setting. It can have positive or neutral connotations depending on the context.