respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
2
obsolete : partial, discriminative
respectiveness noun

Examples of respective in a Sentence

it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways
Recent Examples on the Web And streaming services such as Spotify and Netflix could potentially market discounts within their apps to those that buy subscriptions through the services’ respective websites rather than through proprietary in-app payment systems once forced on app developers by the app stores. Brian Fung, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 The two had been introduced a year earlier because of their respective work with Native communities — Kelley’s One Bowl banner has produced multiple films on the Haudenosaunee people, while NILJ’s caseload has increasingly focused on missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 The lovebirds spend as much time together as possible, camping, canoodling and encouraging each other in their respective professions. Courtney Howard, Variety, 7 Mar. 2024 Blood of My Blood will be a prequel series to the beloved historical drama, following the parents of Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and their respective love stories in both 18th-century Scotland and World War I-era England. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2024 The two checked in with their respective friend groups and then spent two to three hours getting to know each other over wings. Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 That will mean many fractious sibling-like conflicts to prove who is strongest behind the wheel within their respective squads. Brad Spurgeon, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024 Teresa, Dolores, Jennifer and Jackie appeared on one panel, while Melissa, Margaret, Rachel, Danielle and Jenn appeared on the other (all the Housewives alongside their respective men). Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Such are the respective QB situations that Harbaugh starts this season near the red zone, while Payton stands backed up against his own end zone. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'respective.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of respective was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near respective

Cite this Entry

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

respective

adjective
re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes

More from Merriam-Webster on respective

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