respective

1 of 2

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

1

: particular, separate

their respective homes

2

obsolete : partial, discriminative

respectiveness noun

respectiveness

2 of 2

noun

re·​spec·​tive·​ness

-tivnə̇s, 

-tēv- also -təv-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being respective

Synonyms of respective

Adjective

• different
• separate

Examples of respective in a Sentence

Adjective

it was late when the concert let out, so we all went our respective ways

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

And then, after the war, moved most of them to their respective communities. — Hope McKenney, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026

The Athletic reported that during UEFA and Concacaf’s respective meetings, Infantino’s future leadership of FIFA was questioned. — Ali Rampling, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

The four films are told from each respective band member’s perspective, and Norton stars as the group’s manager Brian Epstein. — Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

The Kardashian sisters are famously close with each other and their respective kids. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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