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deferential

/ˌˈdɛfəˌˈrɛntʃəl/
IPA guide

When a young person shows respect and obedience to an older person, they’re being deferential to the elder’s wisdom and experience.

To be obedient, courteous, or dutiful are all ways of being deferential. Bowing low to the Queen is a deferential act when visiting Buckingham Palace. On sports teams, rookies are usually deferential to the veterans and star players, while all players should be deferential to the coach. All employees are expected to be at least a little deferential to their bosses. Being deferential shows respect, but also means "I know my place, and it's lower than yours."

Definitions of deferential
  1. adjective
    showing deference
    synonyms: deferent, regardful
    respectful
    full of or exhibiting respect
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