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
Klain previously helped Al Gore, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton prepare for their respective debates.
—
Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 24 June 2024
At this stage of the evening, attendees, surrounded by prehistoric fossils, were also heard exchanging stories about their respective animal masks, with one wearer of a wolf mask among those repeatedly getting complimented about their choice by passersby.
—Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 June 2024
Following in their parents’ footsteps, both Holly and Sam married their respective spouses there as well.
—Emma Kershaw, Peoplemag, 22 June 2024
Organizers reported that 34 Chinese film projects were presented, comprising 23 were debut feature films, 8 second features and 3 third features by their respective directors.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 22 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for respective 
Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 24 June 2024
At this stage of the evening, attendees, surrounded by prehistoric fossils, were also heard exchanging stories about their respective animal masks, with one wearer of a wolf mask among those repeatedly getting complimented about their choice by passersby.
—Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 June 2024
Following in their parents’ footsteps, both Holly and Sam married their respective spouses there as well.
—Emma Kershaw, Peoplemag, 22 June 2024
Organizers reported that 34 Chinese film projects were presented, comprising 23 were debut feature films, 8 second features and 3 third features by their respective directors.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 22 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for respective
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'respective.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near respective
Cite this Entry
“Respective.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respective. Accessed 2 Jul. 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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