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
Incredibly, Gasperini’s team has won four and lost six by that scoreline across all competitions this season, a reflection of its respective strengths at either end of the pitch.
—
Jack Bantock, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
In a sweet video jointly shared to the couple's respective Instagram accounts on Friday, the NFL quarterback can be seen kissing the Sinners star's bare belly.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
In May 2024, Dorit and PK announced their decision to separate in a joint statement posted to their respective Instagram accounts.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
The methods by which states are trying to allocate the cost of that uncertainty vary, but the critical element is understanding their respective strengths and weaknesses to craft a system that is fair for everyone.
—Theodore J. Kury, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respective
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Jack Bantock, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
In a sweet video jointly shared to the couple's respective Instagram accounts on Friday, the NFL quarterback can be seen kissing the Sinners star's bare belly.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
In May 2024, Dorit and PK announced their decision to separate in a joint statement posted to their respective Instagram accounts.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
The methods by which states are trying to allocate the cost of that uncertainty vary, but the critical element is understanding their respective strengths and weaknesses to craft a system that is fair for everyone.
—Theodore J. Kury, The Conversation, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respective
Cite this Entry
“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 18 Dec. 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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