Cool MateDeference vs Submission
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Deference
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Submission
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1noun
Most common: Submission
| Deference | Submission | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈdɛf(ə)r(ə)ns//🇺🇸 //ˈdɛf(ə)rəns// | 🇬🇧 /["/səbˈmɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səbˈmɪʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | Respect and submission to someone else's opinions or decisions. | Giving up control or agreeing to someone else's authority. |
| Example | She showed great deference to her mentor's advice during the project. | The deadline for submission of the project is next Monday. |
| Register | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | show deference, act in deference, deference to authority, display deference, deference in opinions | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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 Submission
What's the difference between Deference and Submission?
Deference: Respect and submission to someone else's opinions or decisions. Submission: Giving up control or agreeing to someone else's authority.
Which is more common: Deference and Submission?
Submission is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Deference: She showed great deference to her mentor's advice during the project. Submission: The deadline for submission of the project is next Monday.
Can I use Deference and Submission interchangeably?
Not always. Deference 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.