1. plural of deference; respectful or courteous regard for another person's wishes, opinion, or authority
Usage: typically used in formal or professional contexts; often appears in phrases like 'in deference to' or 'out of deference'

Examples

• The employees showed their deferences to the company's long-standing traditions.
• In deference to the elder's wishes, the family postponed the celebration.
• She paid her deferences by listening carefully to his advice.
• The team's deferences to safety protocols prevented accidents.
• He expressed his deferences through a formal letter of apology.
• Cultural deferences vary significantly across different societies.