respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

1

: particular, separate

their respective homes

2

obsolete : partial, discriminative

respectiveness noun

Synonyms

• 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

But there’s a chance that guard Davion Mitchell (calf soreness) and forward Simone Fontecchio (left lower leg tightness) could return from their respective injuries to play in Sunday’s exhibition. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025

Moisturizer’s confidence level feels light-years away from its predecessor — and starts with their respective album artwork. —Sophie Williams, Billboard, 10 Oct. 2025

Reeve's older children from a previous relationship, Matthew and Alexandra, have also made notable contributions in their respective fields. —Maddie Garfinkle, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

The President made public calls for the prosecution of the two officials ahead of their respective indictments. —Callum Sutherland, Time, 10 Oct. 2025

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