respective

[ ri-spek-tiv ]

adjective

1. pertaining individually or severally to each of a number of persons, things, etc.; particular:

   I will now discuss the respective merits of the candidates.

   Synonyms: corresponding, individual, separate

   Antonyms: irrespective

respective

/ rɪˈspɛktɪv /

adjective

1. belonging or relating separately to each of several people or things; several

   we took our respective ways home

2. an archaic word for respectful

Derived Forms

• reˈspectiveness, noun

Other Words From

• re·spective·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of respective¹

First recorded in 1515–25; from Medieval Latin respectīvus, equivalent to Latin respect(us) ( respect ( def ) ) + -īvus -ive ( def )

Example Sentences

Overnight, both Ukraine and Russia reported major drone attacks on their respective territories.

From BBC

Under US federal law, public schools must enrol any student within their respective jurisdictions.

From BBC

Neither Hegseth nor Gabbard, on the other hand, have little experience in their respective portfolios; Gabbard in particular has provoked consternation over her promotion of Kremlin talking points and conspiracy theories.

From Salon

The bigger picture is that Trump’s proposed team is almost universally loyal, and favour overhauling their respective government departments.

From BBC

“Between the nostalgia and multigenerational appeal in terms of their respective core fan group, we were reaching as wide of an audience as possible,” Riegg said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• various