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

Mubadala has become a direct investor in Luckin after a $1 billion joint investment with Centurium in early September, with neither side disclosing the respective stake size. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

Through prints and patterns, the two were able to maintain a sense of autonomy while the silhouettes of their respective Thom Browne style choices complemented one another. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Most Exhibit 10 players are cut before the start of the regular season and transitioned to that respective team’s G League affiliate. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026

In addition, the two groups tend to mate on or near their respective host plants, further reducing interbreeding. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 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