respectful

[ ri-spekt-fuhl ]

adjective

1. full of, characterized by, or showing politeness or deference:

   a respectful reply.

   Synonyms: deferential, civil, decorous, polite, courteous

   Antonyms: disrespectful, discourteous

respectful

/ rɪˈspɛktfʊl /

adjective

1. full of, showing, or giving respect

Derived Forms

• reˈspectfulness, noun
• reˈspectfully, adverb

Other Words From

• re·spectful·ly adverb
• re·spectful·ness noun
• quasi-re·spectful adjective
• quasi-re·spectful·ly adverb
• unre·spectful adjective
• unre·spectful·ly adverb
• unre·spectful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of respectful¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; respect + -ful

Example Sentences

Every neighbor on Nextdoor has a responsibility to act in accordance to those guidelines, and participate in conversations that are civil and respectful.

From Washington Post

Meanwhile, when a happy customer takes the time to leave a positive review, make the respectful gesture of thanking them in return.

From Search Engine Watch

We need people to be respectful to all users of our streets.

From Washington Post

I like the sense that, when we’re in the water, we are respectful of the ocean and each other, together but apart.

From Outside Online

“We are here to build a team that is empathetic, respectful, and open to being challenged,” Chopra said in a statement on Twitter.

From Washington Post

What I appreciate is, they are respectful of the democratic process.

From The Daily Beast

Schieffer, by contrast, was more magnanimous and respectful.

From The Daily Beast

If you think of yourself as more than a knuckle-dragging Neanderthal, you can stand up and be respectful.

From The Daily Beast

Ibrahim made clear to Deputy Dennis Meyer that his daughter was a respectful and dutiful girl of Sudanese extraction.

From The Daily Beast

Does it become romantic because of the need for power, or does it always stay at a respectful distance?

From The Daily Beast

Louis stood firm, though pale and respectful, before the resentful gaze of Elizabeth.

From Project Gutenberg

When the crowd saw who he was the argument desisted forthwith, the crowd became quiet and respectful, moreover expectant.

From Project Gutenberg

Parr was an arrogant old coxcomb, who abused the respectful kindness he received, and took his pipe into drawing-rooms.

From Project Gutenberg

The Sergeant stared at him hard, saw that both he and his friend wore evening dress, and grew proportionately respectful.

From Project Gutenberg

Aristide made the most respectful love in the world to Betty Errington, because he could not help himself.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• admiring
• appreciative
• civil
• considerate
• deferential
• gracious
• humble
• obedient
• polite
• reverent
• reverential
• self-effacing
• well-mannered