respectful
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of respectful
Explanation
If you’re respectful, you show consideration and regard for someone or something. Be respectful of your neighbors and turn down your disco music when it gets late. Respectful is the adjective form of the common word respect, which means a feeling of admiration. So when you behave in a way that’s respectful, you’re doing something to show admiration for another person. You might sit in respectful silence when your teacher enters the room. You can be respectful of situations as well as people. You might be respectful of the democratic process and not complain about not winning your school election.
Vocabulary lists containing respectful
List 1
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Workshop 4, Part 2
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Positive and Uplifting Tones
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After the road opens up, the drivers make short work of the curves while maintaining a respectful distance from one another.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
The publication noted that those expecting insensitive remarks about Kercher would be proved wrong, describing Cartwheel as a "respectful" attempt to reclaim her story.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026
"He loved being an actor. He was passionate about his craft and was always encouraging, respectful, and generous with young actors, taking the time to offer guidance and support whenever he could."
From Barron's ● Aug. 2, 2026
He explained that most job candidates are perfectly respectful and punctual when they meet executives—the people who control their fate.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026
Folks were milling around on the big front porch, gathering their umbrellas, sidestepping puddles in the parking lot, heading for cars, getting ready to follow the hearse in a long, respectful line of cars.
From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
