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

Spain’s superpower was a coherent tactical system that no other national team — or their respective talismans — could find an answer to. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026

In 1948, Winthrop and Vivian Smith purchased it and renamed it Winvian in a playful portmanteau of their respective first names. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

The ensemble cast brings distinct intensity to their respective roles, each occupying different positions within the film’s power dynamics. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026

As mentioned in recent observations, cornerback and linebacker remain difficult to gauge with the injury list growing at those respective positions. — Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 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