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 The methodology factors in population density and scores each agency within its respective region. Sandy Mazza, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024 Last summer, the siblings split their personal properties and shares in the company, a total of almost 62 percent, channeling them into their own respective holdings. Luisa Zargani, WWD, 24 Sep. 2024 The endorsements come as Democrats and Republicans fight to frame their respective candidates as the better option for the U.S. economy in the November election, as high costs of living remain voters’ top priority in national polls. Rebecca Picciotto, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2024 What can professionals expect from employers and from their respective industries as we near the last quarter of 2024 and approach 2025? Rachel Wells, Forbes, 23 Sep. 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.

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 2 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!