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

The Simpsons and Family Guy have been producing episodes exclusively for Disney+ and Hulu, where their respective libraries are housed, for the past couple of years. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 July 2026

Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith signed deals that topped their respective positions; Josh Simmons is a first-round pick; and Kingsley Suamataia is a second-rounder. — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

In cargo shippers’ databases, the histories and current cargo of containers are recorded and accessible via their respective codes. — Alexander Klose, Scientific American, 24 July 2026

The Spring/Summer 2027 women’s ready-to-wear calendar, which will run from September 28 to October 6, features a total of 68 shows and 33 presentations, compared to a respective 74 shows and 37 presentations for SS26. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 24 July 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