What does "deferential" mean?
"Deferential" describes someone who is showing respect and politeness to someone else, especially someone in a position of authority or seniority. Think of it as being respectful and showing deference.
Examples:
* The employees were deferential to their new manager, eager to impress her. (This shows how they were respectful and polite to the manager.)
* The young lawyer adopted a deferential tone when addressing the judge. (The lawyer was being respectful and submissive to the judge.)
* The student's deferential manner impressed the professor. (The student showed respect through their behavior and tone.)
Key points:
* "Deferential" is an adjective, meaning it describes a noun.
* It usually implies a power dynamic or a difference in status.
* You can use it to describe a person's behavior, attitude, or even their language.
Additional Examples:
* Her deferential demeanor made her a favorite among her colleagues.
* The children were expected to be deferential to their elders.
* The king was met with deferential bows from the nobles.
Let me know if you'd like to see more examples, or have any other questions about using "deferential" in a sentence!