deferential
/,defə'renʃəl/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Showing deference: Behaving in a way that shows respect and submission to the authority, wishes, or judgment of another person. It implies a polite and yielding attitude, often characterized by courtesy and regard for someone considered superior in rank, age, or knowledge.
Usage
The word "deferential" describes an attitude or manner. It is typically used to characterize how one person acts toward another. It is often followed by the preposition "to" when specifying the person who is being shown respect.
- Common Patterns:
- be deferential to [someone]
- a deferential [attitude, manner, tone, bow]
- in a deferential way
Examples
- The young assistant was always deferential to the senior partners in the firm.
- She spoke in a deferential tone when addressing the judge.
- He gave a slight, deferential nod to the elder before speaking.
- Their deferential attitude towards the cultural traditions was appreciated by the local community.
Advanced Usage
- "Deferential silence": A respectful silence, often held to allow a person of authority or honor to speak first or without interruption.
- The room fell into a deferential silence when the CEO entered.
- "Deferential treatment": Treatment that shows special respect or courtesy.
- The veteran diplomat received deferential treatment from the embassy staff.
Variants and Related Words
- Deference (n): Respectful submission or courteous regard for the opinion or judgment of another.
- He showed great deference to his teacher's advice.
- Defer (v): To yield respectfully in judgment or opinion; to submit to another's wish or opinion.
- I defer to your greater experience in this matter.
Synonyms
- Respectful: Feeling or showing deference and respect.
- Reverential: Of the nature of, due to, or characterized by reverence (deep respect).
- Submissive: Ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive.
- Courteous: Polite, respectful, or considerate in manner.
Antonyms
- Contemptuous: Showing contempt; scornful.
- Disrespectful: Showing a lack of respect or courtesy; impolite.
- Defiant: Showing open resistance or bold disobedience.
- Insolent: Showing a rude and arrogant lack of respect.
Related Phrases
- Pay/Pay one's deference to: To show respect to someone.
- The new members paid their deference to the club's founder.
- In deference to: Out of respect for; in consideration of.
- The ceremony was shortened in deference to the elderly attendees.
Adjective
-
showing deference
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