deferential
/ˌdefəˈrenʃl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdefəˈrenʃl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌde-fə-ˈren-chəl/ (ame, mw)
deferential — 形容詞
- deferentialpositive
- more deferentialcomparative
- most deferentialsuperlative
1. acting with careful respect toward someone you see as older, more powerful, or h
恭敬的
對上位者表現恭敬
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.
Theo 在主廚逐盤檢查時，說話的語氣很恭敬。
deferential tone
Élise gave the retired judge a deferential nod before asking her question.
Élise 在發問前，先向那位退休法官恭敬地點了點頭。
deferential nod before speaking
At the clinic, Arjun sounded deferential to Dr. Okafor during the meeting.
在診間裡，Arjun 開會時對 Dr. Okafor 說話很恭敬。
The young reporter kept a deferential distance from the family outside court.
那名年輕記者在法庭外，恭敬地和那家人保持距離。
Constanza remained deferential when the museum director corrected her plan.
博物館館長糾正她的計畫時，Constanza 仍然保持恭敬。
- 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.