deferential
UK: ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl | US: ˌdɛfəˈrɛnʃəl
adj. showing respect and submission to authority or another person
adj. marked by courteous regard for another's wishes
The word deferential traces back to the Latin dēferre, which originally meant "to carry down" (literally or metaphorically). Over time, it evolved to imply yielding or submitting to authority, reflecting hierarchical social structures. The suffixes -ent and -ial were added in English to form an adjective describing a respectful, submissive attitude. The logic follows: yielding (defer) + adjectival suffixes → "characterized by yielding respect."
She gave a deferential nod to the judge before speaking.
His deferential tone made it clear he respected his mentor's advice.
The staff remained deferential to the CEO during the meeting.
In some cultures, younger people are expected to be deferential to elders.
The diplomat's deferential manner helped ease tensions during the negotiation.