deferential
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- deferentially adverb
- nondeferential adjective
- nondeferentially adverb
- overdeferential adjective
- overdeferentially adverb
- undeferential adjective
- undeferentially adverb
Etymology
Origin of deferential
1815–25; after deference, by analogy with such pairs as residence: residential
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But he added an "overly deferential" approach to engaging with them would "almost inevitably creates political challenges or missed positive opportunities".
From BBC
Until the 1960s, most broadcasting was dry and deferential.
From BBC
Hicks was deferential to the Democratic candidates who have long served in public office and have compelling personal tales and the experience to take the helm of the state.
From Los Angeles Times
As the decades spooled past, British society would become less deferential and British media more intrusive.
"The tech industry has been given deferential treatment - I think we're seeing that start to change."
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
