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

Pundits are predicting both films to win their respective screenplay categories and at least one acting win, while Anderson is the favorite to win best director. —Kristin Scharkey, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

Cedar Park fell to Barbers Hill in the Class 5A DII state semifinals while Bowie and Lago Vista both advanced to their respective regional finals. —Butch Hart, Austin American Statesman, 9 Mar. 2026

The group are all are making strides in their respective entertainment industry fields. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026

The two lawsuits center on access at federal buildings on the outskirts of Chicago and Minneapolis, where clergy said detainees were held for multiple days during the respective enforcement surges last fall and earlier this winter. —Arkansas Online, 8 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