Difference vs. Deference — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 28, 2024
Difference refers to the quality or condition of being unlike or dissimilar, whereas deference is the respect and esteem due to a superior or elder.
Difference Between Difference and Deference
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Difference is fundamentally about distinguishing one thing from another based on characteristics or qualities that are not the same. Deference, on the other hand, involves a show of respect towards someone, often because of their position, age, or wisdom. It implies a yielding or submission to the judgment, opinion, or wishes of another.
While "difference" is used in a broad range of contexts, from mathematics to social sciences, indicating variance between entities or ideas, deference is specifically relational and social, denoting a way individuals interact within hierarchies or social structures. Difference can be observed, measured, and analyzed, making it a concept central to many disciplines. Deference, conversely, is enacted through behavior, customs, and language, reflecting cultural norms and values.
The concept of difference does not imply any hierarchy; it simply notes that there is a variance. Deference inherently acknowledges a hierarchy or some form of superiority, where one individual demonstrates respect or submission to another's authority or wisdom. This distinction highlights how the terms operate in different realms: one in the realm of being or characteristics, the other in social interaction and respect.
Understanding the difference between these two terms can be crucial in contexts where both concepts apply. For example, recognizing cultural differences is different from showing deference to cultural norms and practices. The former is an acknowledgment of diversity, while the latter is about showing respect and often following those norms.
In the workplace, the difference might refer to the diverse skills and backgrounds employees bring to the table, whereas deference could be about the respect shown to a supervisor or a senior colleague. This distinction clarifies that while we might navigate differences by leveraging them for creativity and innovation, navigating deference is about understanding and respecting power dynamics and hierarchies.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The quality of being unlike or dissimilar
Respectful submission or yielding to the judgment of another
Contexts
Broad: can apply to objects, ideas, etc.
Relational: involves social interaction and hierarchy
Implies Hierarchy
No
Yes
Primary Domain
Can be objective or subjective
Social and cultural
Manifestation
Observed in characteristics or qualities
Shown through actions and language
Compare with Definitions
Difference
The result of subtraction in mathematics.
The difference of 5 and 2 is 3.
Deference
Courteous regard for people's feelings.
He showed deference to her cultural customs.
Difference
A distinction between two or more things.
The difference between an apple and an orange is evident in taste and appearance.
Deference
Acting with humility towards a superior.
Employees show deference to their CEO in meetings.
Difference
A unique or distinguishing feature.
Her creative approach made a difference in the project’s success.
Deference
Honoring someone due to age or experience.
The young musician paid deference to the seasoned artist.
Difference
Variation or diversity within a group.
Cultural differences enrich our community.
Deference
Yielding to another's expertise or authority.
She deferred to her mentor's advice on the project.
Difference
Disagreement or dispute.
They resolved their differences through discussion.
Deference
Respectful submission to someone's opinions or wishes.
Out of deference to the professor, they waited quietly.
Difference
The quality or condition of being unlike or dissimilar.
Deference
Deference (also called submission or passivity) is the condition of submitting to the espoused, legitimate influence of one's superior or superiors. Deference implies a yielding or submitting to the judgment of a recognized superior, out of respect or reverence.
Difference
An instance of disparity or unlikeness
There is a big difference in sound between a clarinet and an oboe.
Deference
Polite submission and respect
He addressed her with the deference due to age
Difference
A degree or amount by which things differ
A difference in height of three inches.
Deference
Submission or courteous respect given to another, often in recognition of authority.
Difference
A noticeable change or effect
Exercise has made a difference in her health.
Deference
Great respect.
The children treated their elders with deference.
Difference
A disagreement or controversy
Let's settle our differences.
Deference
The willingness to carry out the wishes of others.
By tidying his room, he showed deference to his mother.
Difference
Discrimination in taste or choice; distinction
In this case, the law should make no difference between young and old.
Deference
A yielding of judgment or preference from respect to the wishes or opinion of another; submission in opinion; regard; respect; complaisance.
Deference to the authority of thoughtful and sagacious men.
Deference is the most complicate, the most indirect, and the most elegant of all compliments.
Difference
The amount by which one quantity is greater or less than another.
Deference
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
Difference
The amount that remains after one quantity is subtracted from another.
Deference
Courteous regard for people's feelings;
In deference to your wishes
Out of respect for his privacy
Difference
To distinguish or differentiate.
Deference
A disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
Difference
(uncountable) The quality of being different.
You need to learn to be more tolerant of difference.
Difference
(countable) A characteristic of something that makes it different from something else.
There are three differences between these two pictures.
Difference
(countable) A disagreement or argument.
We have our little differences, but we are firm friends.
Difference
Significant change in or effect on a situation or state.
It just won't make much difference to me.
It just won't make much of a difference to anyone.
Difference
(countable) The result of a subtraction; sometimes the absolute value of this result.
The difference between 3 and 21 is 18.
Difference
(obsolete) Choice; preference.
Difference
(heraldry) An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish two people's bearings which would otherwise be the same. See augmentation and cadency.
Difference
(logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
Difference
(logic circuits) A Boolean operation which is true when the two input variables are different but is otherwise false; the XOR operation ().
Difference
(relational algebra) The set of elements that are in one set but not another ().
Difference
To distinguish or differentiate.
Difference
The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation; as, a difference of quality in paper; a difference in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the difference between the innocent and the guilty?
Differencies of administration, but the same Lord.
Difference
Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy.
What was the difference? It was a contention in public.
Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their difference as they could.
Difference
That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute.
The marks and differences of sovereignty.
Difference
Choice; preference.
That now he chooseth with vile differenceTo be a beast, and lack intelligence.
Difference
An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the same. See Augmentation, and Marks of cadency, under Cadency.
Difference
The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
Difference
The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from the other.
Difference
To cause to differ; to make different; to mark as different; to distinguish.
Thou mayest difference gods from men.
Kings, in receiving justice and undergoing trial, are not differenced from the meanest subject.
So completely differenced by their separate and individual characters that we at once acknowledge them as distinct persons.
Difference
The quality of being unlike or dissimilar;
There are many differences between jazz and rock
Difference
A variation that deviates from the standard or norm;
The deviation from the mean
Difference
A disagreement or argument about something important;
He had a dispute with his wife
There were irreconcilable differences
The familiar conflict between Republicans and Democrats
Difference
A significant change;
The difference in her is amazing
His support made a real difference
Difference
The number that remains after subtraction; the number that when added to the subtrahend gives the minuend
Common Curiosities
Does the concept of difference apply to opinions?
Yes, differences can certainly apply to opinions, indicating a variety of viewpoints or beliefs among individuals or groups.
How do cultural differences impact deference?
Cultural differences significantly influence how deference is shown, with varying customs and norms dictating respectful behavior.
Can you show deference to someone despite differences?
Yes, showing deference often involves respecting someone regardless of the differences between you and them.
Can deference be demanded?
While deference is typically voluntarily given as a sign of respect, in some hierarchical or formal settings, it may be expected or demanded according to cultural or institutional norms.
What is the key distinction between difference and deference?
Difference pertains to the qualities that set things or persons apart, while deference is about showing respect towards someone, often due to their status or wisdom.
Is deference a universal concept, or does it vary?
While the concept of deference is universal, the ways in which it is expressed and understood vary widely across different cultures and societies.
Is it possible to measure differences objectively?
Many differences, such as those in physical properties or quantities, can be measured objectively. However, subjective differences, like those in personal tastes, are based on individual perceptions.
How can one show deference in a multicultural environment?
Showing deference in a multicultural environment involves being aware of and sensitive to the diverse cultural backgrounds, customs, and expectations of respect.
How does understanding differences contribute to a harmonious society?
Understanding and appreciating differences among individuals or groups can foster empathy, respect, and cooperation, contributing to social harmony.
Does deference imply weakness or lack of confidence?
No, deference does not inherently imply weakness or lack of confidence; it is often a sign of respect, cultural understanding, and situational awareness.
Can deference affect decision-making processes?
Yes, deference to authority figures or experts can significantly influence decision-making processes, sometimes leading to decisions that heavily reflect the views of those respected figures.
What role does deference play in professional settings?
In professional settings, deference can facilitate smooth hierarchical functioning and respect for expertise, contributing to efficiency and effective leadership.
How do differences in perception affect relationships?
Differences in perception can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts but, when managed well, can also enrich relationships by bringing diverse viewpoints and deeper understanding.
Can recognizing differences lead to more inclusive societies?
Yes, acknowledging and valuing differences can be a foundational step towards building more inclusive, equitable, and diverse societies.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
