respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

1

: particular, separate

their respective homes

2

obsolete : partial, discriminative

respectiveness noun

Synonyms

• different
• individual
• 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

Those details will be handled fairly behind closed doors with our respective counsels in due time. —Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 4 May 2025

Sabrina Carpenter and Anne Hathaway hit up a Versace affair in respective blue sparkles and monochromatic sharp suiting, while Harlem held a rager with Doechii, Law Roach, A$AP Rocky, and Tyler Mitchell putting on their party gear. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 May 2025

Similar strategies apply to each respective pathway. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

Under the guise of polite party banter, the two trade barbs, each speaking on behalf of their respective cause. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 3 May 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