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.
The pause also affects M visas, which are for vocational or non-academic students and J visas, which are for exchange visitors, along with their respective dependent categories (M-2 and J-2). Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025 The two men got into their respective vehicles and drove away. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2025 All three have served in their respective nations’ air forces. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025 Spokespeople for France and Germany’s respective governments were not immediately available to comment when contacted by CNBC. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 27 May 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 31 May. 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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