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Deference

  1. noun

    a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard

    “his deference to her wishes was very flattering”

    Similar: respect

  2. noun

    a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others

    Similar: complaisance, compliance, compliancy, obligingness

  3. noun

    courteous regard for people's feelings

    “in deference to your wishes”

    Similar: respect, respectfulness

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Word parts

fer · -ence