1. showing respect and polite submission to someone’s wishes, judgment, or authority

Examples

• The young lawyer was deferential to the senior partners at the firm.
• She spoke in a deferential tone when addressing the judge.
• His deferential manner impressed the elderly professor.
• The waiter was appropriately deferential to the distinguished guests.
• Students were expected to be deferential toward their teachers.
• He gave a deferential bow before entering the temple.