respective
adjective
re·spec·tive
ri-ˈspek-tiv 
1
: particular, separate
their respective homes
2
obsolete
: partial, discriminative
respectiveness
noun
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
There’s still money to be made in producing morning shows, and their respective local stations all need some way of covering national and global events.
—
Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
David and Victoria both previously met Queen Elizabeth in light of their respective professions — David for his accomplishments in soccer, and Victoria with her Spice Girls band.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
The best indicator of how closely watched this race now is nationally: Both the Democratic and Republican Governors Associations have given $2 million, each, to their respective candidate.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024
On the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December, which is Dec. 17 this year, electors meet in their respective states to cast their votes for the president.
—Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for respective 
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Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024
David and Victoria both previously met Queen Elizabeth in light of their respective professions — David for his accomplishments in soccer, and Victoria with her Spice Girls band.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
The best indicator of how closely watched this race now is nationally: Both the Democratic and Republican Governors Associations have given $2 million, each, to their respective candidate.
—Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024
On the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December, which is Dec. 17 this year, electors meet in their respective states to cast their votes for the president.
—Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for respective
Dictionary Entries Near respective
Cite this Entry
“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
respective
adjective
re·spec·tive
ri-ˈspek-tiv
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes
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