deferential
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “deferential” mean?
adjective.showing deference; respectful.
SAT Usage
the term often appears in contexts involving authority, respect, or social hierarchies, such as discussions of relationships between students and teachers or citizens and leaders. It emphasizes an attitude of submission or respect, highlighting the nuances of social dynamics, and differs from similar terms like "obsequious," which suggests excessive flattery rather than genuine respect.
Common Confusions
Deferential implies genuine respect and submission to authority, while obsequious usually suggests excessive flattery or ingratiation that may lack sincerity.
Example Sentences
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The junior staff were extremely deferential to senior managers.
Word Parts: How to Remember “deferential”
Break “deferential” into its parts: de- (down, away, un-). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
de-down, away, un- (Latin)