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.
There’s still money to be made in producing morning shows, and their respective local stations all need some way of covering national and global events. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 7 Nov. 2024 David and Victoria both previously met Queen Elizabeth in light of their respective professions — David for his accomplishments in soccer, and Victoria with her Spice Girls band. Janine Henni, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 The best indicator of how closely watched this race now is nationally: Both the Democratic and Republican Governors Associations have given $2 million, each, to their respective candidate. Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Nov. 2024 On the first Tuesday after the second Wednesday in December, which is Dec. 17 this year, electors meet in their respective states to cast their votes for the president. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 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 21 Nov. 2024.

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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