respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

1

: particular, separate

their respective homes

2

obsolete : partial, discriminative

respectiveness noun

Synonyms of respective

• different
• separate

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

Yet the clubs from small markets with relatively low payrolls found ways to play the best baseball in each of their respective leagues this season en route to the World Series. — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Oct. 2026

Both rank second in their respective leagues, behind the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Maple Leafs. — Robert Gray, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026

The Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks all chose to trade or not re-sign key players within a year of winning their respective championships. — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2026

The winners advanced to the Division Series, where the Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Cleveland Guardians beat their respective opponents. — Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for respective

• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective
• corrective
• defective
• detective
• directive
• effective
• elective
• infective

Kids Definition

respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

: not the same or shared : separate

they hurried to their respective homes