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
After things come to a head, the innies retreat to their respective tents, and Mark pays Helly a visit.
—
Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025
While job gains were muted, wages rose more than expected: Average hourly earnings increased 0.5% for the month and 4.1% from a year ago, compared with respective estimates for 0.3% and 3.7%.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
In short, the Constitution’s separation of powers only exists if the respective branches of government take action to ensure power is separated and balanced.
—Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Feb. 2025
In fact, Kendrick and Drake were collaborators at the beginning of their respective careers.
—Candace McDuffie, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for respective 
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Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Feb. 2025
While job gains were muted, wages rose more than expected: Average hourly earnings increased 0.5% for the month and 4.1% from a year ago, compared with respective estimates for 0.3% and 3.7%.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
In short, the Constitution’s separation of powers only exists if the respective branches of government take action to ensure power is separated and balanced.
—Henry Gass, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Feb. 2025
In fact, Kendrick and Drake were collaborators at the beginning of their respective careers.
—Candace McDuffie, Glamour, 7 Feb. 2025
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 15 Feb. 2025.
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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