The meaning of DEFERENTIAL is showing or expressing respect and high regard due a superior or an elder : showing or expressing deference. How to use deferential in a sentence.

DEFERENTIAL definition: showing deference; deferent; respectful. See examples of deferential used in a sentence.

Polite and respectful (Definition of deferential from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Someone who is deferential is polite and respectful towards someone else. They like five-star hotels and deferential treatment. We have become less deferential to authority.

deferential courteous, dutiful, respectful: She assumed a deferential attitude toward her teacher.

Definition of deferential adjective from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. deferential (towards somebody) showing that you respect somebody/something, especially somebody older or more …

Definition of deferential. English dictionary and integrated thesaurus for learners, writers, teachers, and students with advanced, intermediate, and beginner levels.

Aug 30, 2025 · Deferential is an adjective that describes a way of acting or showing respect, admiration, or humility toward someone else, especially someone in a position of authority, experience, or status.

Jun 24, 2025 · deferential (comparative more deferential, superlative most deferential) Respectful and considerate; showing deference. antonyms quotations Antonyms: derogative, derogatory

deferential, adj.¹ meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary