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

The top prizes in questions weren’t from the Mega Millions or Jackpot Triple Play games, which will be $244 million and $425,000, respectively, on Friday. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

Among large airports, the study ranks Tampa International Airport (715), Portland International Airport (708) and Dallas Love Field (698) in first, second and third place, respectively. — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

That’s up from around 12% and 6% readings in the same month of 2024 and 2025, respectively. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2026

Just 75% and 66%, respectively, knew that smoking is associated with stroke. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 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