deferentially

/ˌdefəˈrenʃəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdefəˈrenʃəli/ (ame, ipa)

deferentially — 副詞

1. while speaking or behaving with careful respect toward someone whose age, rank,

1.副詞C1
釋義

謙恭地

對地位較高者顯得恭敬順從

while speaking or behaving with careful respect toward someone whose age, rank, or authority is higher than yours.

例句

Elise answered the senior surgeon deferentially during the training round.

在教學巡房時，Elise 對那位資深外科醫師回答得很謙恭。

answer deferentially to a senior person

Haruto bowed deferentially before asking the museum director for permission.

Haruto 在向博物館館長請求允許前，先謙恭地鞠了一躬。

bow deferentially before asking

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • 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.

常見錯誤

❌Nina smiled deferentially at her classmate after the joke.
✅Nina smiled politely at her classmate after the joke.
💡deferentially usually suggests a clear difference in age, rank, or authority.