Word of the day: Deferential |

In a lot of instances, the manner in which people talk or act depends on who they are talking to or acting towards. For example, you might find that a person acts more deferentially when talking to a teacher or an older person whom they look up to. Deferential behaviour usually involves courtesy and respect, in which a person recognises the other person’s status or power and shows it in his or her actions.Deferential can also be used to describe language in which people avoid being too direct or forceful, but rather pay attention to politeness and respectfulness in what they say.

What does deferential mean

Deferential describes behaviour that shows respect, politeness, or submission towards someone, especially someone of higher status or authority.

Pronunciation of deferential

Origin of the word deferential

The word “deferential” is taken from the word “defer,” which is itself an alteration from deferre, which is Latin for “to carry down” or “to yield.” The word later came to imply yielding in regard to someone’s authority or opinion, out of respect.As the word was adopted into English, it was altered slightly to deferential, becoming a word that implies behaviour characterised by respect and courtesy.

How to use deferential in a sentence

Synonyms of deferential

Antonyms of deferential