Deference vs. Respect — What's the Difference?

Deference (also called submission or passivity) is the condition of submitting to the espoused, legitimate influence of one's superior or superiors. Deference implies a yielding or submitting to the judgment of a recognized superior, out of respect or reverence.

Respect, also called esteem, is a positive feeling or action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem or regard. It conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities.

Polite submission and respect

A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem

Submission or courteous respect given to another, often in recognition of authority.

The state of being regarded with honor or esteem

Great respect.

Consideration or appreciation

The willingness to carry out the wishes of others.

Due regard for something considered important or authoritative

A yielding of judgment or preference from respect to the wishes or opinion of another; submission in opinion; regard; respect; complaisance.

A particular aspect, feature, or detail

A courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard;

Usage Problem Relation; reference. See Usage Note at regard.

Courteous regard for people's feelings;

To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem or admire

A disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others

To avoid interfering with or intruding upon

To avoid violating

To relate or refer to; concern

(uncountable) an attitude of consideration or high regard

(uncountable) good opinion, honor, or admiration

Polite greetings, often offered as condolences after a death.

(countable) a particular aspect, feature or detail of something

Good will; favor

To have respect for.

To have regard for something, to observe a custom, practice, rule or right.

To abide by an agreement.

To take notice of; to regard as worthy of special consideration; to heed.

To relate to; to be concerned with.

(obsolete) To regard; to consider; to deem.

(obsolete) To look toward; to face.

(Jamaica) hello, hi

To take notice of; to regard with special attention; to regard as worthy of special consideration; hence, to care for; to heed.

To consider worthy of esteem; to regard with honor.

To look toward; to front upon or toward.

To regard; to consider; to deem.

To have regard to; to have reference to; to relate to; as, the treaty particularly respects our commerce.

The act of noticing with attention; the giving particular consideration to; hence, care; caution.

Esteem; regard; consideration; honor.

An expression of respect of deference; regards; as, to send one's respects to another.

Reputation; repute.

Particular; point regarded; point of view; as, in this respect; in any respect; in all respects.

Relation; reference; regard.

Consideration; motive; interest.

(usually preceded by `in') a detail or point;

The condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded);

An attitude of admiration or esteem;

A courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard;

Behavior intended to please your parents;

A feeling of friendship and esteem;

Courteous regard for people's feelings;

Regard highly; think much of;

Show respect towards;