- A formal or polite phrase used before expressing disagreement, criticism, or a contradictory opinion, particularly towards someone in authority or deserving of respect.
- It signals that the speaker intends to be respectful despite disagreeing. However, it can sometimes be perceived as passive-aggressive or insincere depending on the tone and context.
Explanation
Origin
- A traditional, formal expression. Due means owed or appropriate.
- The speaker acknowledges the respect owed to the person they are addressing before potentially challenging their view. It's a convention of formal politeness.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (Direct disagreement, often without the polite preface):
- Yeah, but...
- Nah, I don't think so...
- Hold up... (Used to interrupt or question)
- I gotta disagree there...
Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing strong disagreement, often disrespectfully):
- That's bullshit.
- No fucking way.
- Are you fucking kidding me?
- With all due respect, my ass. (Explicitly negating the respectful intention)
Milder / More Collaborative Disagreement:
- I see your point, but have you considered...?
- I understand where you're coming from, however...
- Another way to look at it is...
- I have a slightly different perspective.
Situational Appropriateness
- Best suited for formal or semi-formal settings where politeness and acknowledging hierarchy are important (e.g., business meetings, academic discussions, speaking to superiors).
- Can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation among friends.
- Risk of sounding insincere or passive-aggressive if the tone is wrong or the disagreement is very harsh.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers should understand that this phrase almost *always* signals disagreement or criticism is coming, despite the word respect.
- Tone is critical. A sarcastic tone makes it disrespectful (With all D́ÚÉ R̀ÉS̀ṔÉĆT̀... but you're completely wrong).
Examples
- With all due respect, Professor, I believe your conclusion is flawed.
- With all due respect, sir, I don't think that's the best course of action.
- I understand your position, but with all due respect, I have to disagree.
Dialogue
CEO: I believe we should launch the product next month.
Marketing Director: With all due respect, Ms. Evans, the market research indicates we're not ready. Launching now could be detrimental.
CEO: Detrimental how? Explain your concerns.
Marketing Director: With all due respect, our brand awareness is still low in the target demographic... (continues explanation)
Social Media Examples
- (Less common in casual social media, more likely in professional contexts like LinkedIn or formal online debates)
- LinkedIn Comment: With all due respect to the author, I think this analysis overlooks the impact of recent regulatory changes.
- Formal Forum: User X's point is noted, but with all due respect, the historical data does not support that conclusion.
Response Patterns
- Formal acknowledgement: Go on., I'm listening., Please explain your position.
- Defensive reaction (if perceived as challenging): What do you mean?, Are you questioning my judgment?
- Accepting the premise: Okay, I understand you disagree. What's your reasoning?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing With all due respect... [disagreement]:
- The listener (especially the person being addressed) usually waits to hear the specific disagreement or alternative proposal.
- They will then respond to the substance of the disagreement.
- The interaction often becomes more focused on the points of contention.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used specifically to preface disagreement within a conversation, often in formal or hierarchical situations.
Intonation
- Emphasis typically on DUE and RESPECT. With all DUE RESPECT...
- Often spoken slowly and deliberately, with a serious or formal tone.
- The tone is crucial: it can sound genuinely respectful or subtly sarcastic/confrontational.
Generation Differences
- More common among older generations or in professions that maintain formal communication styles (e.g., military, law, traditional corporations). Younger generations might use less formal ways to disagree.
Regional Variations
- Standard in all major English-speaking regions, particularly in formal contexts.