respectively

adverb

re·​spec·​tive·​ly ri-ˈspek-tiv-lē 

1

: in the order given

My cousin and I were respectively 12 and 16 years old.

2

: in particular : separately

could not recognize the solutions as salty or sour, respectively

Examples of respectively in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chris Kim, Dave Sirulnick and Jim Bouvet, who head up the company’s studio, entertainment and commercials divisions, respectively are expected to continue in their roles. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026

In the case of 3/1, 5/1 and 7/1 ARMs — three very common types — the initial term is three, five and seven years, respectively. — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Prior to the first game of the ALCS, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised the Tampa Bay and Cleveland general managers respectively. — Isaac Tellechea, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

These were aspirationally scheduled for no earlier than mid and late October, respectively, but have now apparently slipped to mid-to-late November (though there has been no public confirmation of any firm target date). — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for respectively

• ineffectively
• retrospectively
• affectively
• collectively
• defectively
• effectively
• objectively
• prospectively
• protectively
• reflectively
• selectively
• subjectively

Kids Definition

respectively

adverb

re·​spec·​tive·​ly

ri-ˈspek-tiv-lē

: each in the order given

John and Mary were 12 and 13 years old respectively