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

Both men fought with their fathers in their corner providing instructions in between rounds but as the fight entered the late rounds, the respective cut men became every bit as important. —Ivan Carter, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2024

With offices in Johannesburg, Toronto and Los Angeles, the KIC Group will build on the track records of the three pioneering companies while also developing innovative financing models and capitalizing on an existing co-production treaty between their respective countries. —Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 18 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

: not the same or shared : separate

they hurried to their respective homes