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

Opinions expressed in this material may differ or be contrary to opinions expressed, or actions taken, by Fairlead Strategies or its affiliates, or their respective officers, directors, or employees. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 8 June 2026

Xi said the two countries should strengthen strategic cooperation and firmly safeguard their respective sovereignty and security interests, according to the report. —Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

The players' names appear to be a twist on the actual players from their respective teams. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 8 June 2026

Close conjunctions like this happen on a regular basis because all the planets in the solar system, including our Earth all orbit the sun in nearly the same plane, traveling at their respective speeds around our home star. —Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 7 June 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