1. showing respect and polite submission to someone in authority

1. a circle in ancient astronomy in which a planet was thought to move
Usage: astronomy; historical

Examples

• The student was deferent to her teacher’s instructions.
• He maintained a deferent attitude during the meeting with his boss.
• Her deferent manner impressed the interview panel.
• The employee’s deferent response showed proper respect for authority.
• Ancient astronomers used the concept of a deferent to explain planetary motion.
• Ptolemy’s model included epicycles moving on deferents.