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

In Split Fiction, two authors, Zoe and Mio, get trapped inside their respective fantasy and science fiction novels after a machine that allows each to experience their fictional worlds first-hand malfunctions. —Richard Newby, Time, 6 Dec. 2025

Four of them are tied for first place in their respective divisions. —Sam McDowell 5, Kansas City Star, 5 Dec. 2025

Airlines not listed on the dashboard post their customer service commitments on their respective websites. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025

And, of course, there will be enormous interest in which teams the three hosts will end up facing in their respective groups. —Rafael Nam, NPR, 5 Dec. 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