deferential

[ def-uh-ren-shuhl ]

/ ˌdɛf əˈrɛn ʃəl /

adjective

showing deference; deferent; respectful.

Nearby words

defer, deference, deferent, deferent duct, deferentectomy, deferential, deferentitis, deferment, deferrable, deferral, deferred

Origin of deferential

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

SYNONYMS FOR deferential

courteous, regardful, dutiful, obedient, reverential.

Related forms

def·er·en·tial·ly, adverbnon·def·er·en·tial, adjectivenon·def·er·en·tial·ly, adverbo·ver·def·er·en·tial, adjective

o·ver·def·er·en·tial·ly, adverbun·def·er·en·tial, adjectiveun·def·er·en·tial·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for deferentially

He spoke low and deferentially, and his mien was that of a modest, retiring man who secretly thought ill of himself.
The Lions of the Lord|Harry Leon Wilson
He smiled at her deferentially, but backed away with his cart.
Old Caravan Days|Mary Hartwell Catherwood
"If you will wait another minute I think the prisoner will come out," suggested Potin deferentially, jingling his keys.
Robert Tournay|William Sage
A comic severity in the tone of the correction was deferentially accepted by Fenellan.
One of Our Conquerors, Complete|George Meredith

A truth which we accept with closed eyes, submissively, deferentially, servilely—such a truth is nothing but a lie.
The Forerunners|Romain Rolland

British Dictionary definitions for deferentially

deferential

/ (ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl) /

adjective

marked by or showing deference or respect; respectful

Derived Forms

deferentially, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

deferential

adjective

Nearby words

Origin of deferential

SYNONYMS FOR deferential

Related forms

Examples from the Web for deferentially

British Dictionary definitions for deferentially

deferential

adjective

Derived Forms

Medicine definitions for deferentially

deferential

adj.