What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obeyance
Example
The company is in obeyance of the new regulations. [obeyance: noun]
Example
The soldiers showed their obeyance by following the commander's orders. [obeyance: noun]
deference
Example
The students showed deference to their teacher by listening attentively. [deference: noun]
Example
I deferred to my friend's choice of restaurant since it was her birthday. [deferred: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deference is more commonly used than obeyance in everyday language. Deference is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while obeyance is less common and often used in legal or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obeyance and deference?
Both obeyance and deference can be used in formal contexts, but obeyance is more likely to be used in legal or bureaucratic settings, while deference can be used in a wider range of formal situations.
