respectful

[ ri-spekt-fuhl ]

adjective

1. full of, characterized by, or showing politeness or deference:

   a respectful reply.

   Synonyms: deferential, civil, decorous, polite, courteous

   Antonyms: disrespectful, discourteous

respectful

/ rɪˈspɛktfʊl /

adjective

1. full of, showing, or giving respect

Derived Forms

• reˈspectfully, adverb
• reˈspectfulness, noun

Other Words From

• re·spectful·ly adverb
• re·spectful·ness noun
• quasi-re·spectful adjective
• quasi-re·spectful·ly adverb
• unre·spectful adjective
• unre·spectful·ly adverb
• unre·spectful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of respectful¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; respect + -ful

Example Sentences

Maybe it was him being respectful of a new process.

From Los Angeles Times

The 2024 general election was the first where all 4,515 candidates were offered basic security and had access to a named police officer during the campaign and guidance on respectful campaigning was updated.

From BBC

Tuchel will not be in Greece and Carsley said the German has had no influence over the squad selection for this match - and that "he is highly respectful" of the job that Carsley and his staff are doing.

From BBC

As Delany put it, “The extent to which the American people carry this glorification of military crusaders is beyond a parallel. ... The extent to which this homage is carried ceases to be respectful since it is neither kind nor complimentary, but like the homage of the serf to the noble or the vassal to his lord, it is ludicrous.”

From Salon

“We value students’ freedom of expression and encourage respectful civic engagement,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admiring
• appreciative
• civil
• considerate
• deferential
• gracious
• humble
• obedient
• polite
• reverent
• reverential
• self-effacing
• well-mannered