respectively

adverb

re·​spec·​tive·​ly ri-ˈspek-tiv-lē 

1

: in the order given

My cousin and I were respectively 12 and 16 years old.

2

: in particular : separately

could not recognize the solutions as salty or sour, respectively

Examples of respectively in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Caldwell and Kargbo followed with 42% and 6%, respectively. —Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2026

For midsize brands like Jil Sander or Marni, the clothes are the thing, and both of those brands’ designers – Simone Bellotti and Meryll Rogge, respectively – are interested in dressing an actual client, with little regard for dazzling social media or trickle-down accessories. —Rachel Tashjian, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026

Stephen Graham and Ned Dennehy return as Shelby family allies Hayden Stagg and Charlie Strong, respectively. —Zack Sharf, Variety, 3 Mar. 2026

The starting point for the past several years has been West Sheridan Road and Broadway — at the spot in East Lakeview where the streets run in place of Byron and Halsted streets, respectively. —Adam Harrington, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1602, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for respectively

• ineffectively
• retrospectively
• affectively
• collectively
• defectively
• effectively
• objectively
• prospectively
• protectively
• reflectively
• selectively
• subjectively

Kids Definition

respectively

adverb

re·​spec·​tive·​ly

ri-ˈspek-tiv-lē

: each in the order given

John and Mary were 12 and 13 years old respectively