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
The separation will enable investors to better evaluate and assign appropriate valuation multiples to each entity, ensuring alignment with peer companies in their respective industries.
—
Joe Cornell, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
The tariffs were previously delayed after both countries agreed to address immigration issues at their respective U.S. borders.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
For their part, the service secretaries were relegated to the less prestigious role of training and equipping their respective troops.
—Dwight Stirling, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, the burgeoning family in the foreground give unmissable thrills throughout the day: Jackie and Shadow making their respective trips in and out of the nest, delivering fish or materials, and the parents’ frequent repositioning offer glimpses of the newborn chicks nestled underneath.
—Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for respective
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.
Joe Cornell, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
The tariffs were previously delayed after both countries agreed to address immigration issues at their respective U.S. borders.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
For their part, the service secretaries were relegated to the less prestigious role of training and equipping their respective troops.
—Dwight Stirling, The Conversation, 4 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, the burgeoning family in the foreground give unmissable thrills throughout the day: Jackie and Shadow making their respective trips in and out of the nest, delivering fish or materials, and the parents’ frequent repositioning offer glimpses of the newborn chicks nestled underneath.
—Anusha Praturu, Vulture, 4 Mar. 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 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
respective
adjective
re·spec·tive
ri-ˈspek-tiv
: not the same or shared : separate
they hurried to their respective homes
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share