respectively

adverb

re·​spec·​tive·​ly ri-ˈspek-tiv-lē 

1

: in the order given

Mary and Anne 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 latter two were honored with accolades like the 2025 Video Vanguard Award and the Latin Icon Award, respectively. —Mikelle Street, Them., 8 Sep. 2025

Its easternmost corner, Matarraña, was particularly ideal, with its rugged mountain vistas, balmy climate, and relative ease of access to Barcelona and Valencia, just two-and-a-half- and three-hour drives away, respectively. —Siobhan Reid, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2025

These three games—all benchmarked at the system’s full HD (1080p or 1200p native) resolution—represent competitive shooter, open world, and simulation games, respectively. —Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2025

Additionally, Busta Rhymes and Ricky Martin — recipients of the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award and Latin Icon Award, respectively — will take the stage. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025

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