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Antonyms for deferential


Grammar : Adj
Spell : def-uh-ren-shuhl
Phonetic Transcription : ˌdɛf əˈrɛn ʃəl



Definition of deferential

Origin :
  • 1822, from deferent + -ial; as a word in anatomy, from 1877. Related: Deferentially.
  • adj respectful, considerate
Example sentences :
  • She beamed at my appearance, and her every word was caressing and deferential.
  • Extract from : « The Bacillus of Beauty » by Harriet Stark
  • I saw it in every deferential gesture of his body, and every modulated tone of his voice.
  • Extract from : « The Underdog » by F. Hopkinson Smith
  • The Chief Inspector stood it well, deferential but inscrutable.
  • Extract from : « The Secret Agent » by Joseph Conrad
  • With a deferential flourish the waiter brought him the menu-card.
  • Extract from : « The Black Bag » by Louis Joseph Vance
  • Like lightning Ferry's sword was out, but he only gave it a deferential sweep.
  • Extract from : « The Cavalier » by George Washington Cable
  • I am sure he laughed at me in secret; but nothing could be more polite and deferential.
  • Extract from : « The Room in the Dragon Volant » by J. Sheridan LeFanu
  • "Certainly, sir," said the clerk, who was polite and deferential.
  • Extract from : « The Christian » by Hall Caine
  • "This is the man," said the chief warder, with a deferential bow.
  • Extract from : « A Son of Hagar » by Sir Hall Caine
  • "This is unworthy of you, madam," said he, his tone grave and deferential.
  • Extract from : « Mistress Wilding » by Rafael Sabatini
  • Tamb' Itam, deferential, hinted at preparations for defence.
  • Extract from : « Lord Jim » by Joseph Conrad

Synonyms for deferential

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019