respectable

[ ri-spek-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. worthy of respect or esteem; estimable; worthy:

   a respectable citizen.

   Synonyms: honorable

2. of good social standing, reputation, etc.:

   a respectable neighborhood.

3. suitable or good enough to be seen or used:

   respectable clothes; respectable language.

4. of moderate excellence; fairly good; fair:

   a respectable performance.

   Synonyms: passable, middling

5. appreciable in size, number, or amount:

   a respectable turnout.

respectable

/ rɪˈspɛktəbəl /

adjective

1. having or deserving the respect of other people; estimable; worthy
2. having good social standing or reputation
3. having socially or conventionally acceptable morals, standards, etc

   a respectable woman

4. relatively or fairly good; considerable

   a respectable salary

5. fit to be seen by other people; presentable

Derived Forms

• reˈspectably, adverb
• reˌspectaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• re·specta·ble·ness noun
• re·specta·bly adverb
• nonre·specta·ble adjective
• nonre·specta·ble·ness noun
• nonre·specta·bly adverb
• prere·specta·ble adjective
• quasi-re·specta·ble adjective
• quasi-re·specta·bly adverb
• semi·re·specta·ble adjective
• super·re·specta·ble adjective
• super·re·specta·ble·ness noun
• super·re·specta·bly adverb
• ultra·re·specta·ble adjective
• ultra·re·specta·bly adverb
• ultra·re·specta·ble·ness noun
• unre·specta·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of respectable¹

First recorded in 1580–90; respect + -able

Example Sentences

The Dallas defense is getting a little healthier and quarterback Cooper Rush has done a respectable job.

From Los Angeles Times

There was hope after he dropped out that Trump might appoint someone more respectable to this important post and one who would be less likely to become his hatchet man.

From Salon

There looked like being an element of symmetry to the innings before a late flurry from Joseph and Akeal Hosein ensured the hosts batted their overs to post a respectable total.

From BBC

Vancouver made the final seconds a bit dramatic when Gauld finally found the back of the net in the fifth minute of stoppage time to make the final score more respectable.

From Los Angeles Times

One popular conspiracy theory held that the houses of respectable Protestant families were being raffled off in Catholic churches, to be invaded by unwashed broods of Irish peasants as soon as home rule was established.

From Salon

Related Words

• appropriate
• creditable
• decent
• honorable
• mediocre
• modest
• ordinary
• proper
• satisfactory
• tolerable
• upright