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What is another word for Deferential? – 281 Deferential Synonyms

    Need another word for Deferential? Use these synonyms of Deferential from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    respectful courteous polite civil mannerly gracious considerate thoughtful obliging accommodating complaisant conciliatory appeasing propitiatory submissive obedient compliant acquiescent tractable amenable deferent dutiful reverent reverential worshipful awed intimidated hesitant diffident self-effacing humble modest unassuming unpretentious retiring shy bashful demure reserved restrained subdued meek mild gentle kind benevolent benign genial affable cordial friendly hospitable warm welcoming approachable accessible genial amicable congenial convivial sociable gregarious affable courteous chivalrous gallant courtly refined cultured sophisticated urbane polished suave smooth diplomatic tactful discreet considerate

    Meaning of Deferential

    showing respect and humility

    Definitions

    • Showing respect and humility, typically because of a person's position, authority, or achievement
    • * Willing to follow the advice or guidance of someone else, because of their position, authority, or expertise

    Etymology of Deferential

    The word "deferential" originated from the Latin "deferens", which is the present participle of "deferre", meaning "to bear or carry away" or "to yield or submit"
    Historically, the word has been used to describe behavior that shows respect, humility, or submission to someone or something considered superior or more authoritative

    Example Uses

    • The employees were deferential to their new boss, listening attentively to her instructions and following her guidance
    • * The student was deferential to the professor, acknowledging their expertise and seeking their advice on the research project
    • * The delegate was deferential to the chairperson, yielding the floor and allowing them to guide the discussion

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    disrespectful rude impolite discourteous insolent impertinent impudent cheeky brazen presumptuous forward pushy aggressive confrontational hostile antagonistic belligerent truculent cantankerous contentious quarrelsome argumentative disputatious rebellious defiant insubordinate disobedient uncooperative uncompliant resistant stubborn obstinate intractable

    Related Nouns

    respect humility courtesy politeness civility graciousness consideration thoughtfulness obedience compliance submission deference reverence awe intimidation hesitation diffidence self-effacement modesty unassumingness reserve restraint submissiveness meekness mildness gentleness kindness benevolence benignity geniality affability cordiality friendliness hospitality warmth approachability accessibility geniality amiability congeniality conviviality sociability gregariousness affability courtesy chivalry gallantry courtliness refinement culture sophistication urbanity polish suaveness smoothness diplomacy tact discretion considerateness

    Related Verbs

    respect humble courtesy polite civil comply submit obey defer reverence awe intimidate hesitate self-efface modest unassume reserve restrain subdue meek mild gentle kind benevolent benign genial affable cordial friendly hospitable warm welcome approach access genial amicable congenial convivial sociable gregarious affable courteous chivalrous gallant courtly refine culture sophisticate urbanize polish smooth diplomize tact discretize consider

    Related Adjectives

    respectful humble courteous polite civil compliant submissive obedient reverent awed intimidated hesitant diffident self-effacing modest unassuming reserved restrained subdued meek mild gentle kind benevolent benign genial affable cordial friendly hospitable warm welcoming approachable accessible genial amicable congenial convivial sociable gregarious affable courteous chivalrous gallant courtly refined cultured sophisticated urbane polished suave smooth diplomatic tactful discreet