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

Iraola’s squad will fly back to Merseyside straight after the game against Leeds, with their pre-season schedule concluding with Anfield friendlies against Monaco and Como on August 9 and 16 respectively. — James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Tickets for standing in a bus lane or bus stop cost $90 or $100, respectively, while bike lane violations are $250. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Federal funding for both of these programs, which have funded thousands of affordable homes in Maryland, has plummeted since 2000, decreasing 64% and 65%, respectively, adjusted for inflation and population growth. — Jake Day, Baltimore Sun, 19 July 2026

Rafael Devers and Willy Adames each hit solo shots, their 20th and 17th home runs of the season, respectively. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 19 July 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