deferential

[ def-uh-ren-shuhl ]

adjective

1. showing deference; deferent; respectful.

   Synonyms: reverential, obedient, dutiful, regardful, courteous

deferential

/ ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. marked by or showing deference or respect; respectful

Derived Forms

• ˌdeferˈentially, adverb

Other Words From

• defer·ential·ly adverb
• nondef·er·ential adjective
• nondef·er·ential·ly adverb
• over·defer·ential adjective
• over·defer·ential·ly adverb
• undef·er·ential adjective
• undef·er·ential·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of deferential¹

1815–25; after deference, by analogy with such pairs as residence: residential

Example Sentences

Thanks to a deferential Supreme Court, a subservient Republican Party that won a Senate majority and a determination to assemble a more pliant administration, there will be fewer checks on his power.

From Los Angeles Times

On the podcast circuit, there’s plenty of messing around, but sometimes the hosts seem awestruck, deferential or even nervous.

From BBC

The first Monday of October is the traditional start of the Supreme Court docket-harvest festival, when a handful of cases are plucked by the justices to be argued before the highest court in the land and previewed by a deferential press corps.

From Slate

"Even in 1960, Nixon came ready to debate whereas JFK knew the real audience was the one watching at home. He looked directly into the camera and spoke to them, whereas Nixon was often caught looking at Kennedy – which made him appear deferential. Debates of that era focused more on issues, whereas today they seem more about differences over personality and style – which is what I expect Harris and Trump will focus on, too."

From Salon

The failed storming of the press corral came after Trump criticized CNN’s interview with Kamala Harris as overly deferential, according to the Associated Press.

From Salon

Related Words

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