respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

1

: particular, separate

their respective homes

2

obsolete : partial, discriminative

respectiveness noun

Synonyms

• 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

That driving tension and anxiety are largely thanks to the team of artisans, which included composer Volker Bertelmann, editor Kirk Baxter and sound designer Paul Ottosson, who worked closely behind the scenes on their respective crafts to bring it together. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 25 Oct. 2025

Smith and Christian’s respective grandfathers were their catalysts into vintage fashion. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025

So Florida and Penn State will need to look elsewhere to get their respective programs headed in the right direction moving forward. —Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025

But, Joanne and Noah aren't the only ones having relationship issues, as their respective siblings, Morgan and Sasha, are also facing troubled waters in their own relationships. —Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

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