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

Other Word Forms

• deferentially adverb
• nondeferential adjective
• nondeferentially adverb
• overdeferential adjective
• overdeferentially adverb
• undeferential adjective
• undeferentially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of deferential¹

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

Example Sentences

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

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Few conservatives are more deferential to presidential overseas authority than we are.

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

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

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The media and the legal community deserves some blame: By disguising hardball politics as constitutional theory, Roberts capitalized on longstanding deferential traditions and incentives within media court-watchers and academics.

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Related Words

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