DEFERENTIALLY Meaning and
Definition
-
Deferentially is an adverb derived from the adjective deferential, which refers to an attitude or behavior that shows respect, obedience, or submission towards someone else. It can be understood as a form of politeness where one exhibits deference or submission to someone perceived to be of higher authority, status, or expertise.
When someone acts deferentially, they display a demeanor of respect and humility, often with a willingness to comply with the requests or opinions of others. This behavior is typically characterized by gestures, speech patterns, or actions that demonstrate deference. For instance, bowing, speaking softly, using honorifics, or actively seeking guidance from someone seen as higher in a particular social or professional hierarchy are examples of acting deferentially.
In social or professional contexts, deferentially can be observed when individuals address superiors or authority figures with a respectful tone and demeanor. It implies acknowledging and valuing the opinions, wisdom, or expertise of others, often by giving them precedence in decision-making, conversations, or actions. Acting deferentially can also indicate a person's desire to avoid conflicts or potentially offending someone by showing excessive politeness or submissiveness.
In conclusion, deferentially is an adverb that signifies behavior or attitude exhibited towards another person, which reflects respect, obedience, and submission. It entails acting with politeness, adopting a humble disposition, and showing deference towards someone perceived as having higher authority, status, or expertise.
Common Misspellings for DEFERENTIALLY
Etymology of DEFERENTIALLY
The word deferentially is derived from the noun deference and the suffix -ly.
The noun deference originated from the Latin word deferentia, which means act of carrying. In medieval Latin, it evolved to deferentia, which means respect or submission. The French language borrowed this term as deference, and it subsequently made its way into English.
The suffix -ly is used to convert an adjective into an adverb, so it is added to the adjective form deferential to create deferentially.
Similar spelling words for DEFERENTIALLY
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
