respective
Americanadjective
adjective
-
belonging or relating separately to each of several people or things; several
we took our respective ways home
-
an archaic word for respectful
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of respective
First recorded in 1515–25; from Medieval Latin respectīvus, equivalent to Latin respect(us) ( see respect ( def. )) + -īvus -ive ( def. )
Explanation
When two people each have something of their own, it's their respective thing. In a boxing match, the opponents each start in their respective or individual corners. Respective comes from the Latin respectivus meaning "having regard for." Everyone has regard for what's respectively theirs. We have respective opinions, respective responsibilities, respective anxieties. It's basically another word for individual. Each of a set of twins probably has his respective bed, even though they might share a bedroom together.
Vocabulary lists containing respective
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
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To Kill a Mockingbird
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Vocabulary from The Articles of Confederation
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Let’s move to a lightning round of predictions, with the understanding that these might not be the official projections of your respective institutions.
From Barron's • May 15, 2026
By June, four separate judges had issued rulings declaring that the respective law firm–targeting orders were illegal.
From Slate • May 15, 2026
The EU's guidance is similar to the UK's, with citizens returning to their respective member nations advised to "undergo medical triage by trained healthcare professionals".
From BBC • May 11, 2026
According to testimony in the criminal trial, Erickson and Grossman were drinking margaritas at a local cantina before the pair got into their respective vehicles and headed to Grossman’s home to watch a presidential debate.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
Lamar and Sam Houston sat with their respective friends.
From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
