deferentially
1
7.0
- adverb
- /ˌdɛfərˈɛnʃəli/
- Formal
:
deferentemente
- And at the end of the encounter, since I had acted deferentially to them, they let me off with a ticket and I didn't tow my car.
Examples
-
An American in a white coat emerged from behind the screen and spoke briefly to the Korean soldier, who nodded deferentially.
Fiction book (1992) -
"The guard nodded deferentially to Hawk and Adrienne as he hastily entered the room."
Fiction book (1999) -
A guard in the back row deferentially offers his seat to the new arrival.
Fiction book (2000) -
What I do is try to introduce myself most, most deferentially to people I'm curious about.
-
Upon entering the elevator, she pressed the L button and stepped back deferentially to allow other people in.
Fiction book (2000) -
Age connotes status, and younger people are expected to behave deferentially toward their elders.
Academic text (1993) -
The Sartan offered another fish, deferentially, to Haplo.
Fiction book (1991) -
Finally, Katling said deferentially, "Dr. Melchior?"
Fiction book (2000) -
"Eldest son of King Osaw:" Artus dusted himself off and bowed deferentially.
Fiction book (1992) -
The assistant spoke deferentially to her supervisor, always acknowledging her expertise.
Synonyms
101
2.3
In a polite way to someone
9
4.3
In a quiet, gentle, humble way without arguing
7
5.5
In a way that shows deep respect
4
2.8
In a polite and respectful way
1
7.5
In a way that shows deep respect for someone or something
1
5.3
In a quiet, humble way that shows you obey someone
1
8.2
You do what someone tells you without asking questions
1
9.9
In a way that tries too hard to please someone
Someone uses a polite title or special form of address to show respect
Antonyms
How Respectful
1
9.9
1
5.3
- Formal
1
7.0
101
2.3
108
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
deferentially = deferential (transparent) = defer + ential + ly
The adverb 'deferentially' is clearly derived from the adjective 'deferential' by adding the suffix '-ly'.
Etymology
The word deferentially comes from defer, which means 'to give way' or 'leave a choice to someone', and from the root fer meaning 'to carry', as in refer and transfer. So, to act deferentially is to show respect by 'giving way' to someone or accepting their authority.