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deferential

[def-uh-ren-shuhl] / ˌdɛf əˈrɛn ʃəl /


Example Sentences

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"Ratan Tata's larger-than-life image is, to some extent, the reason behind the current conflict. Everyone was deferential towards him and his successor was known only after his death through his will," says Subramanian.

From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2026

He’s definitely being deferential to Woody, and yet he’s pushing him.

From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026

Some decisions against him were couched in deferential language.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 1, 2026

“He could come across as self-effacing and deferential, but in Don’s skilled hands those were qualities that made him an enormously strong and effective leader,” Boccardi said.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2026

Ma, who had always been so deferential, so gentle, had found a way out of a bad situation and had executed it.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu


Vocabulary lists containing deferential

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