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

Opinions expressed in this material may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed, or actions taken, by Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates, or their respective officers, directors, or employees. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 22 June 2026

And they are locked in an ideological feud over how AI should be built, commercialized and governed, which shapes their respective views on the role of regulation. —Eric McDaniel, NPR, 22 June 2026

For now, they’re all settled into their respective spots, Cooper said. —Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026

Since then, both Jelly and Bunnie have talked about what’s in store for their respective futures. —Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 22 June 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