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

So I wanted to be sensitive to that and respectful of that, and I’d never push her too far.

From Los Angeles Times

But, he said, if the political speech is not directly relevant to the subject at hand, or isn’t expressed in a respectful, age-appropriate manner, schools probably have a right to restrict it.

From Los Angeles Times

Expanded access to community-based services, the use of experiential knowledge from the people concerned and a trauma-informed approach seem promising and more respectful of human rights.

From Salon

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

Related Words

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