Deferential

Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɛrənʃəl/

Definitions of deferential

adjective showing or expressing respect and high regard

Example Sentences

A1 She spoke to the teacher in a deferential manner.

A2 The waiter was deferential to the customers, always ready to help.

B1 In some cultures, it is expected to be deferential towards elders.

B2 The employee showed deferential respect towards their boss during the meeting.

C1 The diplomat's deferential attitude helped in negotiating a peaceful resolution.

C2 The CEO was known for being deferential towards all employees, regardless of their position.

Examples of deferential in a Sentence

formal The intern showed deferential respect towards her supervisor during the meeting.

informal He was always deferential towards his elders, never speaking out of turn.

slang She acted all deferential around the boss, trying to suck up to him.

figurative The artist's deferential brush strokes paid homage to the great masters of the past.

Grammatical Forms of deferential

• past tense: deferred
• plural: deferentials
• comparative: more deferential
• superlative: most deferential
• present tense: defer
• future tense: will defer
• perfect tense: have deferred
• continuous tense: is deferring
• singular: deferential
• positive degree: deferential
• infinitive: to defer
• gerund: deferring
• participle: deferred

Origin and Evolution of deferential

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'deferential' originated from the Latin word 'deferentia', which means 'respect' or 'submission'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'deferential' has retained its original meaning of showing respect or submission, but has also come to be associated with being polite, courteous, and showing deference to authority figures.