With all due respect
Polite preface
Littéralement: With all the respect that is owed to you
Use this phrase to disagree politely without damaging your professional relationship or appearing disrespectful.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to introduce a disagreement or challenge.
- Best used in professional or serious social settings.
- Acts as a 'softener' to prevent sounding rude or aggressive.
Signification
This is a polite way to say you disagree with someone. It acts like a soft cushion before you say something that might sound rude or challenging.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Disagreeing with a manager's idea
With all due respect, I believe the budget is too small for this project.
With all due respect, I believe the budget is too small for this project.
Correcting an older relative
With all due respect, Grandpa, that's not how the app works.
With all due respect, Grandpa, that's not how the app works.
In a formal debate or meeting
With all due respect to the previous speaker, the data suggests otherwise.
With all due respect to the previous speaker, the data suggests otherwise.
Contexte culturel
The phrase originates from formal diplomatic and legal traditions in the UK. It is a classic example of 'hedging' in English communication, where speakers use specific words to soften the impact of a statement. In modern times, it has become a staple of corporate 'office speak' globally.
The Sarcasm Trap
If you say this with a mean tone, it actually makes you sound MORE rude. It's like saying 'I'm not a jerk, but...' and then being a jerk.
The British Secret
In the UK, if someone says 'with the greatest respect,' they are likely very annoyed. It's a polite way of saying 'You're being ridiculous.'
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to introduce a disagreement or challenge.
- Best used in professional or serious social settings.
- Acts as a 'softener' to prevent sounding rude or aggressive.
What It Means
Think of with all due respect as a verbal shield. You use it when you are about to disagree with someone. It signals that you aren't trying to be mean. You are just sharing a different opinion. It literally means 'I respect you, but I think you are wrong.' It is the polite version of 'Don't get mad, but...'
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. Follow it with a comma and then your counter-argument. For example: With all due respect, I don't think that plan will work. It sounds smooth and professional. Just don't use it for small things. You wouldn't say it if someone picks the wrong pizza topping. That would be a bit dramatic!
When To Use It
Use it in professional settings or serious discussions. It is perfect for meetings with your boss. Use it when talking to someone older or in a higher position. It also works in academic debates. It shows you are listening but have your own thoughts. It’s like wearing a suit for your words.
When NOT To Use It
Never use it with your best friends while joking around. It will sound incredibly sarcastic or cold. Avoid using it if you are actually very angry. If your voice is shaking with rage, this phrase won't help. It can also sound fake if you use it too much. If you say it five times in one talk, people will stop believing you.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from old-fashioned British etiquette. It was used in Parliament and law courts for centuries. English speakers value 'politeness markers' to avoid direct conflict. We hate being blunt! It reflects a culture that prefers 'saving face' over being 100% direct. It’s the ultimate 'polite' way to start a fight.
Common Variations
Sometimes people say with the greatest respect. Be careful! In British English, that often means 'I think you are a complete idiot.' You might also hear no disrespect intended. That is a bit more casual. Another version is if I may be so bold. That one is very old-school and fancy.
Notes d'usage
This is a high-level 'softener.' Use it to maintain professional distance. Avoid using it in intimate relationships unless the topic is very serious.
The Sarcasm Trap
If you say this with a mean tone, it actually makes you sound MORE rude. It's like saying 'I'm not a jerk, but...' and then being a jerk.
The British Secret
In the UK, if someone says 'with the greatest respect,' they are likely very annoyed. It's a polite way of saying 'You're being ridiculous.'
Pair it with a Pause
For maximum effect, say the phrase, pause for a half-second, then state your point. It makes you look thoughtful and calm.
Exemples
6With all due respect, I believe the budget is too small for this project.
With all due respect, I believe the budget is too small for this project.
Softens a direct challenge to a superior's decision.
With all due respect, Grandpa, that's not how the app works.
With all due respect, Grandpa, that's not how the app works.
Shows generational respect while providing a correction.
With all due respect to the previous speaker, the data suggests otherwise.
With all due respect to the previous speaker, the data suggests otherwise.
A standard way to transition to a opposing viewpoint.
With all due respect, your singing sounds like a cat in a blender.
With all due respect, your singing sounds like a cat in a blender.
The phrase is used ironically here for comedic effect.
WADR, I think we need to restart the whole process.
With all due respect, I think we need to restart the whole process.
The acronym WADR is sometimes used in professional chats.
With all due respect, I think you're being a bit unfair right now.
With all due respect, I think you're being a bit unfair right now.
Used to keep a serious argument from becoming a shouting match.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to start a polite disagreement in a meeting.
___, I think we should reconsider the launch date.
This phrase provides the necessary professional cushion for a disagreement.
Which variation is often used to mean the opposite (very disrespectful) in British English?
___, that is the worst idea I have ever heard.
In British culture, 'with the greatest respect' is often a sarcastic way to signal total disagreement.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Disagreement
Used with friends
No offense, but...
General use
I beg to differ.
Professional/Serious
With all due respect...
Legal/Diplomatic
If I may be so bold as to suggest...
Where to use 'With all due respect'
Boardroom
Correcting a CEO
Classroom
Challenging a Professor
Family Dinner
Disagreeing with Elders
Courtroom
Addressing a Judge
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually, yes. It means you acknowledge their position or authority even if you don't like their current idea. It shows you are playing by the social rules.
Absolutely. It is very common in professional emails like With all due respect, I cannot approve this request.
Yes, it can be a good way to disagree with parents without sounding like a rebellious teenager. It shows maturity.
In this context, due means 'owed' or 'appropriate.' You are giving them the amount of respect they deserve for their role.
Not quite. No offense is much more casual and often used before a personal insult. With all due respect is for professional or intellectual disagreements.
No, that would be very confusing. You only use it when a 'but' or a disagreement is coming next.
Yes, it is used throughout the English-speaking world, including the US, Canada, and Australia.
In American English, it sounds like doo. In British English, it often sounds like dyoo (with a tiny 'y' sound).
It is used very often, so some might call it a cliché, but in business, it's still considered a safe and standard tool.
You can still use it! It's a social convention. It's more about your own manners than your true feelings about the other person.
Expressions liées
I beg to differ
A very formal way to say 'I disagree'.
No disrespect intended
A slightly more modern way to soften a criticism.
In all fairness
Used to introduce a point that balances a discussion.
Don't take this the wrong way
An informal way to preface a potentially hurtful comment.
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