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

These games will be hosted by the two teams with the best record in group play games from each conference, and the team with the best record in group play from each conference will host the wild card team in their respective conference. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Nov. 2025

Doing the work needed on their respective ends, Leslie and Lindsey, who work as authors and humanitarians, were eventually able to make amends. —Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 22 Nov. 2025

Walmart, Target, and Aldi stores will be closed on Thanksgiving, according to the respective company websites. —Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 22 Nov. 2025

Kentucky Country Day and Christian Academy also advanced in their respective classes. —Rich Barak, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Nov. 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