respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
2
obsolete : partial, discriminative
respectiveness noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Portions copyrighted by the respective providers. David Teel, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025 After a team captain is chosen, the top six players from their respective countries automatically qualify, and the captains get to select the final six players. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025 The opportunity is always there for authors and film or tv writers to collaborate on their respective projects, with Yoon providing input when the movie adaptations of her books were being made. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025 Programs will have a better grasp of how things could shake out in their respective divisions. Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for respective

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of respective was in 1597

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Cite this Entry

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

respective

adjective
re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes

More from Merriam-Webster on respective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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