deferential

USAGE SUMMARY

'deferential' is a word that is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'deferential' to describe someone who is showing respect for someone else, usually in a close relationship or in a setting where respect is important (e.g. in a work setting). Example sentence: My boss was impressed by my deferential attitude during our meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because Mr Basinski – and we use the deferential formal term of address because his work is sufficiently serious in its execution and substantial in its weight and gravitas to warrant it – is a truly welcome discovery.

The Guardian - Music

Thanks to military training, his back will be straight and his manner deferential.

The Guardian - Money

His mother, Sonia Gandhi, the party president, is the political boss of the deferential prime minister, Manmohan Singh.Mr Singh had repeatedly made clear that he would step down the moment he got a nod from Mr Gandhi that he was ready.

The Economist

But it was a slumbering giant in national politics: a genteel guardian of crumbling aristocratic piles, through which deferential heritage fans were herded behind velvet ropes.

The Economist

"The chairs used to be deferential to a minister.

The Economist

"Those signs may have gone," said one of the maids, visibly surprised at her own outspokenness, "but to me they're still there".Younger blacks were particularly unhappy with Jasper's black leaders, who, they said, were too deferential to whites.

The Economist

Instead, unnamed presidential staffers said he was too deferential to uniformed commanders, too silent in councils of war and inarticulate as a spokesman for Team Obama's policies, notably when it came to the fight against the fanatics of Islamic State (IS) in Syria and Iraq.There is something to such grumbling.

The Economist

During its four years in government the BJP has been deferential to fellow members of the National Democratic Alliance, smothering its ideology of Hindutva ("Hinduness") lest they walk out of the government.

The Economist

Wetside politicians may become a little more deferential to dryside needs simply to avoid appearing dictatorial.

The Economist

In this context her staff of 50, footmen, pages, dressers, chauffeurs and a watchman who sat outside her door at night, seem less like deferential lackeys, more like warders.A remarkable number of royals have in recent years broken out of the gilded prison.

The Economist

That challenged the establishment's notions of a perfect and deferential hierarchy, with the king at the top and the poor at the bottom as grateful recipients of occasional largesse, while the elites and the army carried on enriching themselves.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deferential" to describe interactions where politeness and respect for hierarchy are valued, like formal meetings or interactions with elders.

Common error

Avoid using "deferential" to describe behavior that is simply polite or courteous. "Deferential" specifically implies recognizing and respecting a hierarchical relationship or authority, not just general good manners.

Linguistic Context

The word "deferential" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something that shows respect and politeness, often acknowledging a superior's authority. Ludwig shows examples of its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deferential" is a commonly used adjective to describe behavior showing respect and politeness, particularly toward authority figures. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing. Predominantly found in news and formal business contexts, its appropriate use involves acknowledging power dynamics rather than mere courtesy. While alternatives like "respectful" and "submissive" exist, nuance is key; "deferential" specifically implies recognizing a hierarchical relationship. Therefore, understanding its implications allows for more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respectful

Focuses on showing respect but doesn't necessarily imply submission or obedience.

reverential

Suggests a deeper level of respect, bordering on awe or veneration.

submissive

Implies a willingness to yield to the authority or will of another.

obedient

Highlights adherence to rules or commands.

compliant

Indicates a willingness to agree to or follow requests.

acquiescent

Suggests a passive acceptance of something without protest.

obeisant

Features a formal and archaic term for showing respect through gestures like bowing.

yielding

Implies giving way to pressure or influence.

servile

Suggests excessive willingness to serve or please others.

ingratiating

Highlights an attempt to gain favor through flattery or pleasing behavior.

FAQs

How to use "deferential" in a sentence?

You can use "deferential" to describe someone who shows respect and politeness towards someone they consider superior or of higher authority. For example: "The junior employee was always "deferential" to her manager."

What can I say instead of "deferential"?

You can use alternatives like "respectful", "reverential", or "submissive" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "deferential" or "deferent"?

"Deferential" and "deferent" are both related to showing respect, but "deferential" is an adjective describing someone who shows deference, while "deferent" is a less common synonym for "deferential".

What's the difference between "deferential" and "servile"?

"Deferential" implies respect and politeness toward authority, while "servile" suggests an excessive willingness to please or obey, often to the point of being degrading.