deferent

def·er·ent

adj \ˈde-fə-rənt, ˈdef-rənt\

Definition of DEFERENT

: deferential

Examples of DEFERENT

1. <though he's already attained star status, the rookie remains deferent to the team's veteran players>

Origin of DEFERENT

back-formation from deference

First Known Use: 1822

Related to DEFERENT

Synonyms: respectful, deferential, dutiful, regardful

Antonyms: disrespectful, undutiful

Related Words: reverent, reverential, venerating, worshipful; fawning, genuflecting, groveling (or grovelling), hagiographic (or hagiographical), kowtowing, obsequious, servile, subservient, sycophantic, toadying; civil, courteous, gracious, polite; kid-glove, kid-gloved

Near Antonyms: abusive, insulting, offensive; belittling, demeaning, depreciative, depreciatory, derogatory, disparaging; contemptuous, impudent, irreverent, scornful; discourteous, insolent, rude, uncivil

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with DEFERENT

aberrant, afferent, apparent, declarant, efferent, grandparent, inerrant, knight-errant, stepparent, transparent