Definition of respectful
: marked by or showing respect or deference
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Examples of respectful in a Sentence
the children were remarkably respectful while in the president's office
Recent Examples of respectful from the Web
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If d’Herbelot was both respectful and systematic in his treatment of the Islamic world, Enlightenment philosophes were less so.
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Our students were respectful and poised this morning.
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Despite being relatively laid-back, Mexicans are incredibly respectful and courteous.
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Students who are disciplined for walking out or otherwise staging a respectful and peaceful protest against gun violence, are hereby assured that it can be reported on their Penn State application without adverse effect on their admission decision.
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Patients who offer their bodies to help discover tomorrow’s treatments deserve messages that are truthful, balanced, and respectful of their role in advancing science, not the hype for clinical trials that is becoming increasingly common.
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At the end of the day that doesn't feel totally respectful to their story.
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Officers met with the family and encouraged the man to be respectful to his parents.
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Centuries ago, the tea masters were all men; now, it’s considered a respectful thing for young women to learn how to do.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'respectful.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of respectful
1593
respectful Synonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Near Antonyms
abusive, insulting, offensive;
belittling, demeaning, depreciative, depreciatory, derogatory, disparaging;
Related Words
reverent, reverential, venerating, worshipful;
fawning, groveling (or grovelling), kowtowing, obsequious, servile, subservient, sycophantic, toadying;
RESPECTFUL Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of respectful for English Language Learners
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: showing or having respect
RESPECTFUL Defined for Kids
Definition of respectful for Students
: showing high regard or courtesy
- a respectful manner
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respectfully
\-fə-lē\ adverb- We kept respectfully silent during the ceremony.
Learn More about respectful
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for respectful Spanish Central: Translation of respectful Nglish: Translation of respectful for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of respectful for Arabic speakers
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