respective

American  

[ri-spek-tiv] / rɪˈspɛk tɪv /

adjective

1. pertaining individually or severally to each of a number of persons, things, etc.; particular.

   I will now discuss the respective merits of the candidates.

   Synonyms:

   corresponding, individual, separate

   Antonyms:

   irrespective

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respective British  

/ rɪˈspɛktɪv /

adjective

1. belonging or relating separately to each of several people or things; several

   we took our respective ways home

2. an archaic word for respectful

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Other Word Forms

• respectiveness noun

Etymology

Origin of respective

First recorded in 1515–25; from Medieval Latin respectīvus, equivalent to Latin respect(us) ( respect ( def. ) ) + -īvus -ive ( def. )

Example Sentences

In an effort to trim costs, these companies have been deploying drilling and pumping innovations across their respective empires.

From The Wall Street Journal

The breakup is part of a bid to allow each unit to better execute and grow in their respective markets, Genuine Parts said.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We believe this decision allows both companies to best serve their respective customers and communities," the company said in a statement.

From BBC

It certainly feels like a “sell first, ask questions later” market at the moment, with investors dumping stocks on the back of headlines linked to new AI offerings that could challenge their respective businesses.

From Barron's

Another spokesperson added: "Going forward, we will take data points in order to evaluate these disciplines with respective events for French Alps 2030. If Nordic combined stays, women will be part of it."

From BBC

Related Words

• various