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

And on Wednesday, the Mets and Rangers provided opportunities to see their respective offerings in a span of about six hours. —Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

Both men were fierce warriors, deeply committed to their respective causes. — Made By History, Time, 9 Apr. 2025

So, basically, The Testaments is really a direct sequel to June’s story from The Handmaid’s Tale, one that reunites her with her daughters and reunites those daughters with their respective fathers, too. —Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 9 Apr. 2025

Angry Birds 3 sees voice cast members Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Rachel Bloom and Danny McBride reprising their respective roles as Red, Chuck, Silver and Bomb. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for respective

• advective
• affective
• collective
• connective
• convective
• corrective
• defective
• detective
• directive
• effective
• elective
• infective

Kids Definition

respective

adjective

re·​spec·​tive ri-ˈspek-tiv 

: not the same or shared : separate

they hurried to their respective homes