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

And it has been deferential to his whims, but the Republican Party losing control of the House and Senate would be a major blow to his agenda.

From Los Angeles Times

“This deferential standard of review leaves no basis for faulting the Commission’s work,” the appeals court had concluded then in its opinion.

From Los Angeles Times

“Nonetheless, we are persuaded that, under longstanding precedent interpreting the statutory predecessor ... our review of that decision must be highly deferential.”

From Los Angeles Times

“This deferential standard of review leaves no basis for faulting the Commission’s work,” the appeals court concluded in its opinion.

From Los Angeles Times

Courts tend to be deferential to the agency, as well.

From BBC

Related Words

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