Deference is a polite and respectful attitude towards someone, especially because they have an important position. The old sense of deference and restraint in royal reporting has vanished. Out of deference to him, I lowered my head as he prayed.

What does it mean to give someone deference?

: respect and esteem due a superior or an elder also : affected or ingratiating regard for another's wishes. in deference to. : in consideration of returned early in deference to her parents' wishes.

What is a deferential person?

: showing or expressing respect and high regard due a superior or an elder : showing or expressing deference listened with deferential attention to his grandfather deferential to the judge's decision.