respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

1

: particular, separate

their respective homes

2

obsolete : partial, discriminative

respectiveness noun

Synonyms of respective

• 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

Messi praised Yamal as a top talent during an event with Fanatics in between the respective press conferences. — Paul Tenorio, New York Times, 18 July 2026

Stars who chose to hit the books after achieving fame and fortune in their respective industries include Natalie Portman, Yara Shahidi, Brooke Shields and Julia Stiles, who all attended Ivy League universities after making waves in Hollywood. — Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

The friendship between Affleck and Damon extends to their respective kids, with both families vacationing together and sharing social events. — Valentina Dirindin, Vanity Fair, 18 July 2026

Multiple STATians sent me photos of hazy skies from their respective bureaus. — O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 17 July 2026

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