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

But the former environmental lawyer has gained a following by tapping into mistrust of those who see US regulators as too deferential to big food and medical companies.

From BBC

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 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

During his tenure, he projected indifference to the notion of shared transatlantic interests and values, and took a strikingly deferential tone toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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