DEFERENCE
deference, respect
(noun) a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard; “his deference to her wishes was very flattering”; “be sure to give my respects to the dean”
complaisance, compliance, compliancy, obligingness, deference
(noun) a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
deference, respect, respectfulness
(noun) courteous regard for people’s feelings; “in deference to your wishes”; “out of respect for his privacy”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
deference (countable and uncountable, plural deferences)
Great respect.
The willingness to carry out the wishes of others.
Synonyms
• honor
• respect
Source: Wiktionary
Def"er*ence, n. Etym: [F. déférence. See 3d Defer.]
Definition: A yielding of judgment or preference from respect to the wishes
or opinion of another; submission in opinion; regard; respect;
complaisance.
Deference to the authority of thoughtful and sagacious men. Whewell.
Deference is the most complicate, the most indirect, and the most
elegant of all compliments. Shenstone.
Syn.
– Deference, Reverence, Respect. Deference marks an inclination to
yield one's opinion, and to acquiesce in the sentiments of another in
preference to one's own. Respect marks the estimation that we have
for another, which makes us look to him as worthy of high confidence
for the qualities of his mind and heart. Reverence denotes a mingling
of fear with a high degree of respect and esteem. Age, rank, dignity,
and personal merit call for deference; respect should be paid to the
wise and good; reverence is due to God, to the authors of our being,
and to the sanctity of the laws.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition