Deference is respectful acceptance of someone else's judgment or wishes, especially when they have greater experience, authority, or knowledge. When a student shows deference to their teacher by listening carefully and following instructions, they're recognizing the teacher's expertise. When a young scientist shows deference to an established researcher's methods, she's respecting years of experience she hasn't yet gained.

Deference involves genuine respect for someone's position or wisdom, going beyond simple rule-following to recognize their knowledge or authority. A basketball player might defer to the team captain's strategy during a crucial game, trusting their leadership. In a family discussion, younger siblings might show deference to their grandparents' advice about an important decision.

Showing appropriate deference is different from simply being timid. It means recognizing when someone else knows better and respecting that knowledge.

You can also defer to someone, meaning you yield to their opinion or let them decide. When teammates defer to their best shooter in the final seconds, they're showing both deference and smart strategy.