kəmˈplaɪəns ˈdɛfəɹəns ˈdɛ.fɚ.əns ɹɪˈspɛkt a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard his deference to her wishes was very flattering be sure to give my respects to the dean a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others courteous regard for people's feelings in deference to your wishes out of respect for his privacy