deferential
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of deferential
1815–25; after deference, by analogy with such pairs as residence: residential
Explanation
When a young person shows respect and obedience to an older person, they’re being deferential to the elder’s wisdom and experience. To be obedient, courteous, or dutiful are all ways of being deferential. Bowing low to the Queen is a deferential act when visiting Buckingham Palace. On sports teams, rookies are usually deferential to the veterans and star players, while all players should be deferential to the coach. All employees are expected to be at least a little deferential to their bosses. Being deferential shows respect, but also means "I know my place, and it's lower than yours."
Vocabulary lists containing deferential
Dog Vocabulary: A Canine Lexicon
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Berkshire’s 13-member board of directors—including two of Buffett’s three children—has long been deferential to Buffett and could use stronger independent members now that Buffett is no longer CEO.
From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026
In habeas doctrine, the danger has always been that federal review becomes so deferential that even substantial constitutional claims are transformed into sterile questions of state-court reasonableness.
From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026
But he added an "overly deferential" approach to engaging with them would "almost inevitably creates political challenges or missed positive opportunities".
From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026
Hicks was deferential to the Democratic candidates who have long served in public office and have compelling personal tales and the experience to take the helm of the state.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2026
They were reckless, puerile, congenial, naive, presumptuous, deferential and rambunctious.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
