Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Deferential /dĕfˌ-ẽr-ĕn'-chəl/ · Def·er·en·tial · IPA /[ˌdɛfəˈɹɛnʃəɫ]/ 01 a. Expressing deference; accustomed to defer. 1. Expressing deference; accustomed to defer.