respectful

adjective

re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl 

: marked by or showing respect or deference

respectfully

ri-ˈspekt-fə-lē 

adverb

respectfulness noun

Synonyms of respectful

• deferent
• regardful
• polite
• deferential
• reverent

Examples of respectful in a Sentence

the children were remarkably respectful while in the president's office

Recent Examples on the Web

The major repeated the words, slowly, his voice calm, respectful, honoring Helen’s request without question. — Ron Farina, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026

That includes training managers to listen before responding; encouraging employees to share ideas, concerns and mistakes; and making respectful disagreement acceptable. — Dr. Manish Pratap Singh Chandel, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Tommy Davis, Davis’ father, said his son, who goes by his middle name Blair, is a respectful, calm, hard-working man who always joined their family at church. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026

In public communication, maintaining a respectful attitude is generally regarded as more important than speaking one’s mind. — Tom Williams, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for respectful

• neglectful
• disrespectful

Kids Definition

respectful

adjective

re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl 

: marked by or showing respect

a respectful manner

respectful of others

respectfully

-fə-lē 

adverb

respectfulness noun