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

The chasm between some top Democrats and AIPAC is illustrated by their respective statements on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. —Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 3 Mar. 2026

But of course these call-ups raise different questions at home, what about their respective high school programs? —Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026

The Italian modular savant and the Norwegian reed player have both situated their sounds to the left of center, thriving at the edges of their respective instruments and conservatory educations. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Mar. 2026

All three have served in their respective nations’ air forces. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 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