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deferentialshowing respect and polite submission to someone in authority

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: showing respect and polite submission to someone in authority

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/

Korean meaning: 권위자에게 공손하고 예의 바른, 경의를 표하는

Korean pronunciation: 데퍼**렌**셜

Example Sentences

  • The intern was so deferential to the CEO that he practically bowed every time she walked by.
  • Despite his fame, the actor remained deferential to his former drama teacher.
  • Her deferential 'Yes, sir' was so exaggerated that everyone knew she was being sarcastic.

deferential

ADJECTIVE

//ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl//

showing respect and polite submission to someone in authority

deferential concept
💡 Concept

a young employee bows slightly while handing a report to a distinguished senior executive at the head of the conference table. The employee maintains respectful eye contact and keeps both hands extended formally. The executive receives the document with an approving nod as the employee steps back politely. The employee's posture remains straight but humble, showing clear respect for the authority figure. Other board members observe the interaction with satisfied expressions. respectful and polite submission to someone in authority

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl/

🌳Etymology

Prefixde--
Rootfer
Suffix--ential

Origin

From Latin 'deferre' meaning 'to carry down' or 'to yield.' The idea evolved from literally carrying oneself down (lowering oneself) to show respect to others.

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🎵Rhyme

preferentialreverentialdifferential
preferential
reverential
differential

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📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The intern was so deferential to the CEO that he practically bowed every time she walked by.

Despite his fame, the actor remained deferential to his former drama teacher.

😄 Fun example

Her deferential 'Yes, sir' was so exaggerated that everyone knew she was being sarcastic.

The diplomat's deferential approach helped ease tensions during the negotiations.

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📚Related Words

Synonyms

respectfulsubmissiveobsequiousreverentpolite

Antonyms

disrespectfulinsolentdefiant

Related

deferdeferencedifferentialpreferential