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

The Auburn Tigers and Arkansas Razorbacks are both in pursuit of their respective head coaches as the 2025 college football season comes to a close. —Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025

Different animators had been locked in months in advance, each with the task of working on their respective shots. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 29 Nov. 2025

Meanwhile, Kendall Jenner and Eva Longoria both use L’Oréal’s Lumi Glotion to perfect their complexion (as shared in their respective Beauty Secrets episodes). —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Nov. 2025

Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn, Glynn Thurman and Jason Mantzoukas will also reprise their respective roles, with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Adam Copeland returning as guest stars. —Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025

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