Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Deferential
adjective
/ def-uh-REN-shul /
Medium
Meaning
Showing respectful submission to another's opinions or authority, sometimes excessively so.
Origin / Etymology
From Latin 'deferentem' (to bring down, submit), present participle of 'deferre'. Same root as 'defer' (to yield).
Synonyms
Respectful
Submissive
Acquiescent
Antonyms
Assertive
Defiant
Insubordinate
Example Sentence
"The Hindu's May 29, 2026 editorial argued that the Supreme Court's deferential treatment of the ECI's SIR exercise weakens institutional checks on administrative power."
🎯 UPSC Usage
GS2 Polity: Use precisely — judicial deference (Chevron doctrine in US, doctrine of judicial restraint in India), legislative deference. Often a critique-word when over-applied.
Relevant Subjects
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