deferential

Meaning

1. Respectful and considerate; showing deference.
2. Based on deference; based on the doctrine, ideology, or wishes of others rather than one's own conclusions.

Opposite of

derogative, derogatory

Synonyms

respectful

regardful

deferent

reverent

meek

considerate

obeisant

groveling

grovelling

ingratiating

nice

obedient

obsequious

reverential

submissive

sycophant

sycophantic

thoughtful

unctuous

adulator

toadyish

advertent

attentive

discerning

fawning

flatterer

gentlemanly

Translations

deferente

deferente

deferente

respectueux

ehrerbietig

respektvoll

eerbiedig

deferencial

ευλαβικός

deferenziale

respetuoso

déférent

πλήρης σεβασμού

déférentiel

ευπειθής

Pronounced as (IPA)

[ˌdɛfəˈɹɛnʃəɫ]

Etymology

From deference (or its Latin type *dēferentia) + -al; compare essence, essential; prudence, prudential, etc. Coined by Scottish novelist, poet and playwright Walter Scott.