the.com/deferential
Politeness with the spine surgically removed and the rank intact.
means Showing humble respect and yielding to someone regarded as more important or knowledgeable.
from From Latin deferre, to carry down or hand over — yielding your judgment to another, as if literally bringing it to their feet.
Close cousinDefer, the verb behind procrastinated dentist visits.
Not the sameRespect is earned; deference is granted upward.
Court flavorJudges show deference to lower-court findings constantly.