respectful

adjective

re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl How to pronounce respectful (audio)
: marked by or showing respect or deference
respectfully adverb
respectfulness noun

Examples of respectful in a Sentence

the children were remarkably respectful while in the president's office
Recent Examples on the Web Elegant interventions are respectful and intentional and can yield a plethora of advantages in a coaching context. Andrea Wanerstrand, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The script is thoughtful and respectful, highlighting the weight of victim testimony and the power of a free press. Janey Tracey, EW.com, 29 Feb. 2024 The captain of the ship nimbly repositioned us, giving both the port and starboard sides prime viewing, at a safe and respectful distance from the animals. Susan B. Barnes, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Feb. 2024 Coming from another speaker whose relationship with Black Americans was less transactional, less transparently condescending, more respectful and more truthful, these comments might have hummed with it’s-just-us humor. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 27 Feb. 2024 The first, and most important, Davies told me, is a gentle and respectful way of interacting with children that does away with traditional discipline and encourages independence. Kate Cray, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2024 Players have routines, and Ethier wants to be respectful of that. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2024 To create a respectful dialogue rather than an interrogation, Kaplan recommends starting from a vulnerable place. Lauren Schwahn Of Nerdwallet, Quartz, 13 Feb. 2024 Trending on Billboard With Rita – alongside children Cedella and Ziggy Marley – acting as co-producers, a commitment to a sincere and respectful portrayal of Bob Marley’s musicality, reggae history and Jamaican culture anchored the film’s journey to the silver screen. Kyle Denis, Billboard, 17 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'respectful.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of respectful was in 1593

Dictionary Entries Near respectful

Cite this Entry

“Respectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respectful. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

respectful

adjective
re·​spect·​ful ri-ˈspekt-fəl How to pronounce respectful (audio)
: marked by or showing respect
a respectful manner
respectful of others
respectfully adverb
respectfulness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on respectful

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