respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

1

: particular, separate

their respective homes

2

obsolete : partial, discriminative

respectiveness noun

Synonyms

• 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

Aside from their uptown addresses, each features a physical carve-out devoted to its house’s respective made-to-measure program. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 6 Sep. 2025

The footage then cut abruptly to a new clip that featured Barrymore and Colbert holding their respective mugs and talking about her recent 50th birthday. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025

In addition, each of the three nuggets products has packaging that matches the team's respective colors. —Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025

Affordability, health care, activities and quality of living for the respective cities. —Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 6 Sep. 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