deferentially

American  

[def-er-en-shuh-lee, -chuh-lee] / ˌdɛf ərˈɛn ʃə li, -tʃə li /

adverb

1. in a way that shows deference or courteous respect.

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Example Sentences

Eventually, Isabel convinces him to see her humanity, not by behaving deferentially but by confessing the agony of her recent loss and asking about the losses he’s sustained that are similar to her own.

From Salon • Jan. 26, 2024

That pedestrian’s family says they don’t believe that police sufficiently investigated whether Nadine was driving recklessly, and a witness says she was treated deferentially at the scene.

From Slate • Oct. 7, 2023

Meanwhile, Saint-Etienne deferentially wrote: external-link "The Black Panther is gone, taking a piece of our club with him."

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2023

In the distance, I hear “Action!” and I will later hear “Cut!” but otherwise a deferentially low volume permeates the space.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2023

I was horrified, too, but there was something pleasant about a guy so despicable that he wouldn’t treat us deferentially.

From "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green