respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wang and Liu are the respective manager and owner of K&P International Logistics LLC, a company that hires commercial truckers to transport shipping containers from the Port of Los Angeles. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2025 All three have served in their respective nations’ air forces. Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Jan. 2025 The Bucks and Clippers are in good spots in their respective conferences as the season surpasses its halfway point. Ricardo Klein, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025 Like an airline pilot operating a plane, these episodes steer their respective series, establishing the tone, characters, and other essential aspects of the program. Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for respective 

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of respective was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near respective

Cite this Entry

“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 3 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

respective

adjective
re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv How to pronounce respective (audio)
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes

More from Merriam-Webster on respective

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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