# deferential

> English word · Adjective · IPA [ˌdɛfəˈɹɛnʃəɫ] · frequency rank #60,750

## Definitions
1. Respectful and considerate; showing deference.
2. Based on deference; based on the doctrine, ideology, or wishes of others rather than one's own conclusions.

## Etymology
From deference (or its Latin type *dēferentia) + -al; compare essence, essential; prudence, prudential, etc. Coined by Scottish novelist, poet and playwright Walter Scott.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/deferential