deferentially
/ˌdefəˈrenʃəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdefəˈrenʃəli/ (ame, ipa)
deferentially — adverb
1. while speaking or behaving with careful respect toward someone whose age, rank,
while speaking or behaving with careful respect toward someone whose age, rank, or authority is higher than yours.
Elise answered the senior surgeon deferentially during the training round.
answer deferentially to a senior person
Haruto bowed deferentially before asking the museum director for permission.
bow deferentially before asking
At dinner, Hoa spoke deferentially to her grandfather about the family business.
The junior clerk smiled deferentially and waited for the judge to continue.
Hassan responded deferentially whenever the ambassador asked for an update.
- respectfully
broader and less focused on rank or hierarchy
- courteously
stresses good manners rather than yielding to authority
- submissively
stronger and more negative, suggesting loss of independence
- boldly
shows confidence instead of careful deference
- dismissively
shows a lack of respect for the other person's status
文法句型
speak deferentially to [person]
deferentially ask [person] for [something]
bow deferentially before [person]
用法筆記
Usually describes speech, greetings, or body language directed at someone seen as above you in age, status, or power. Stronger and more hierarchical than respectfully, and it can suggest that the speaker is being careful not to challenge the other person.