déférence

Déférence is a French noun meaning a respectful attitude toward someone perceived as superior, older, or more authoritative. It involves polite consideration, restraint, and a willingness to defer to another’s judgment or wishes. The term can apply to interpersonal conduct, formal etiquette, and social or institutional hierarchies.

Etymology: The word derives from Old French déférence, from Latin dēferentia, related to the verb déférer, to defer. In modern French, déférence is used similarly to the English word deference and often appears in phrases such as "par déférence envers" or "avec déférence."

Usage: Déférence appears in literature, sociolinguistics, anthropology, and etiquette discussions to describe how people acknowledge hierarchy in speech and behavior. It can express admiration and respect as well as a measured restraint—situations include interactions with elders, officials, or mentors. The concept is distinct from mere respect or admiration in that it implies yielding or deferring to another's authority or opinion.

See also: Deference (English), politeness theory, etiquette, hierarchy. The verb forms se déférer à quelqu’un or déférer à quelqu’un express the idea of deferring to someone.