deference
Bowing to authority
Deference is respectful submission to another's judgment, wishes, or authority.
You show deference to a judge in court, to elders in formal settings, or to expertise you lack: I defer to your judgment on this.
The phrase in deference to means out of respect for: In deference to her wishes, we kept the ceremony small.
Deference implies yielding not from weakness but from recognition of another's position or knowledge.
Respectful forward inclination
- curtsyRespectful knee-bending gesture
- kowtowExcessive deference shown physically
- genuflectionKnee-bending act of reverence
- prostrationUtter physical or mental depletion
kneeling · salute · nod · bending · namaste · obeisance · bowing · inclination
Bending under pressure
- acquiescenceUnresisting acceptance
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- obedienceCompliance with authority
- submissivenessDisposition to obey others
capitulation · concession · subordination · docility · meekness · passivity · tractability · subservience
Courteous, respectful conduct
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
- mannersCustoms of polite conduct
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
- tactSensitivity in speech
diplomacy · decorum · propriety · graciousness · consideration · gallantry · cordiality · affability
Favorable opinion of worth
- reverenceProfound admiring respect
- regardAttentive consideration given
- admirationDeep respect felt
- venerationProfound admiring respect
appreciation · honor · tribute · homage · recognition · acknowledgment · dignity · consideration
bow
Respectful forward inclination
- curtsyRespectful knee-bending gesture
- kowtowExcessive deference shown physically
- genuflectionKnee-bending act of reverence
prostration · kneeling · salute · nod · bending · namaste · obeisance · bowing · inclination · salaam
yielding
Bending under pressure
- acquiescenceUnresisting acceptance
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- obedienceCompliance with authority
submissiveness · capitulation · concession · subordination · docility · meekness · passivity · tractability · subservience · servility
politeness
Courteous, respectful conduct
- civilityFormal politeness in conduct
- mannersCustoms of polite conduct
- etiquetteRules of polite conduct
tact · diplomacy · decorum · propriety · graciousness · consideration · gallantry · cordiality · affability · gentility
esteem
Favorable opinion of worth
- reverenceProfound admiring respect
- regardAttentive consideration given
- admirationDeep respect felt
veneration · appreciation · honor · tribute · homage · recognition · acknowledgment · dignity · consideration · high regard
hierarchy
Ranked authority structure
- seniorityRank from length of service
- rankPosition in hierarchy
- precedenceSuperior rank or importance
protocol · elders · superiors · tradition · custom · expertise · status · position · chain of command · pecking order
- courtroom etiquettestanding, rising, posture, Your Honor, your honor
- conformityconformity, conforming, conform, conformist, conformism
- courtesycivility, decorum, etiquette, good manners, manners
- demeanorbehavior, conduct, deportment, bearing, demeanor
- dignity and respecthuman dignity, self-worth, respect, mutual respect, self-respect
- Esteemrespect, honor, admiration, regard, reverence
deferencedefiance
Open resistance to authority
insubordination · disobedience · rebellion · revolt · noncompliance
deferencecontempt
Disdainful disregard
disrespect · disdain · scorn · irreverence · insolence
deferenceinsolence
Bold, offensive disrespect
impertinence · impudence · rudeness · incivility · discourtesy