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Deferential vs Dutiful - What's the difference?

deferential | dutiful | Synonyms |

As adjectives the difference between deferential and dutiful

is that deferential is respectful and considerate; showing deference while dutiful is accepting of one's legal or moral obligations and willing to do them well, and without complaint.

deferential

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • respectful and considerate; showing deference
  • (anatomy) of, or relating to the vas deferens
  • based on deference; based on the doctrine, ideology, or wishes of others rather than one's own conclusions

    • Related terms

    * deferent

    Anagrams

    *

    dutiful

    English

    Alternative forms

    * dutifull (archaic)

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Accepting of one's legal or moral obligations and willing to do them well, and without complaint.
    • Ralph was a dutiful child, and took the trash out without being told.
  • Pertaining to one's duty; demonstrative of one's sense of duty.
    • The sergeant maintained a dutiful shine on his boots.