deferential

American  

[def-uh-ren-shuhl] / ˌdɛf əˈrɛn ʃəl /

adjective

1. showing deference; deferent; respectful.

   Synonyms:

   reverential, obedient, dutiful, regardful, courteous

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deferential British  

/ ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. marked by or showing deference or respect; respectful

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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

Fully autonomous driving will worsen traffic conditions for a time, he argues, introducing cars that will be too deferential and unable to coordinate with other drivers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Still, the justices have been deferential to presidential powers and the outcome is uncertain.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ellison wanted to keep Sheridan in the fold but felt the previous regime was too deferential, a person familiar with his thinking said.

From The Wall Street Journal

So the collaborative feel of “Mr. Scorsese,” which often tips toward the deferential, is not surprising.

From Los Angeles Times

But it’s worth stressing the takeaway: Redford was always deferential to his leading women, all of whom bloomed and ached in his absence.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civil
• courteous
• obedient
• polite
• reverential
• submissive