deferential
/ˌdefəˈrenʃl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdefəˈrenʃl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌde-fə-ˈren-chəl/ (ame, mw)
deferential — adjective
- deferentialpositive
- more deferentialcomparative
- most deferentialsuperlative
1. acting with careful respect toward someone you see as older, more powerful, or h
acting with careful respect toward someone you see as older, more powerful, or higher in rank.
Theo spoke in a deferential tone when the head chef checked each plate.
deferential tone
Élise gave the retired judge a deferential nod before asking her question.
deferential nod before speaking
At the clinic, Arjun sounded deferential to Dr. Okafor during the meeting.
The young reporter kept a deferential distance from the family outside court.
Constanza remained deferential when the museum director corrected her plan.
- respectful
broader and less formal; it does not always imply a status difference
- courteous
focuses on polished manners rather than yielding to authority
- obsequious
usually negative; suggests trying too hard to please someone powerful
- disrespectful
shows a lack of proper respect
- assertive
states your own position confidently instead of lowering yourself
文法句型
be deferential to + person
deferential tone/nod/smile
remain deferential when + clause
用法筆記
Most often followed by 'to' when you name the person receiving the respect. It usually suggests a clear difference in age, rank, or authority, so it is stronger and more formal than respectful.