Cool MateDeference vs Respect vs Submission
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Deference
Respect
Submission
| Deference | Respect | Submission | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈdɛf(ə)r(ə)ns//🇺🇸 //ˈdɛf(ə)rəns// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈspekt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈspekt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/səbˈmɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səbˈmɪʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | Respect and submission to someone else's opinions or decisions. | To treat someone well and value their feelings. | Giving up control or agreeing to someone else's authority. |
| Example | She showed great deference to her mentor's advice during the project. | It's important to show respect to your elders. | The deadline for submission of the project is next Monday. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | |
| Collocations | show deference, act in deference, deference to authority, display deference, deference in opinions | considerable, deep, enormous, feel, have, hold somebody in, respect for, great, utmost, little, accord somebody/something, pay (somebody/something), show (somebody/something), out of respect, with respect, a lack of respect, a mark of respect, a sign of respect, certain, different, crucial, differ in, be alike in, be identical in, in… respect, in respect of, with respect to, in all, many, some, several, etc. respects, in every respect, in this respect | complete, total, demand, expect, get, submission to, detailed, lengthy, joint, make, accept, reject, in a/the submission, submission for, submission to, oral, written, closing, consider, hear, support |
| Antonyms | disrespect, insubordination, defiance | disrespect, contempt, scorn | defiance, rebellion, resistance |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'difference' when speaking., Using 'deference' in informal situations where it sounds awkward., Mistaking 'deference' for 'reference' in written texts. | Using 'respect' as a verb without an object, e.g., 'I respect' instead of 'I respect him.', Confusing 'respect' with 'regard' in phrases., Mispronouncing 'respect' by not emphasizing the second syllable. | Confused with 'submitting', which is the act of sending something., Used inappropriately in informal contexts., Misunderstood as a weakness rather than a voluntary act. |
| Usage notes | Use in formal contexts or discussions about respect. Less common in casual conversation. | Use 'respect' in both formal and informal settings. It's appropriate for professional situations, personal relationships, and discussions about values. Avoid using it in sarcastic or derogatory contexts. | Often used in formal contexts, such as legal or organizational settings. It may not be suitable in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Deference vs Respect vs Submission
What's the difference between Deference, Respect, and Submission?
Deference: Respect and submission to someone else's opinions or decisions. Respect: To treat someone well and value their feelings. Submission: Giving up control or agreeing to someone else's authority.
Which is more common: Deference, Respect, and Submission?
Respect is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Deference, Respect, and Submission?
Submission is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
Deference: She showed great deference to her mentor's advice during the project. Respect: It's important to show respect to your elders. Submission: The deadline for submission of the project is next Monday.
Can I use Deference, Respect, and Submission interchangeably?
Not always. Deference, Respect, and Submission are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.