respectful
[ ri-spekt-fuhl ]
/ rɪˈspɛkt fəl /
adjective
full of, characterized by, or showing politeness or deference: a respectful reply.
RELATED CONTENT
“Sir” And “Madam” Are Shorter Versions Of What Words?Let’s say you want to get the attention of a male clerk in the produce section of the grocery store. Would you say, “Excuse me sire, but could you please explain the difference between a yam and a sweet potato?” (For the answer to that question, read this.) Addressing a stranger as “sire” might raise an eyebrow. But if you said it, you wouldn’t necessarily …
RELATED WORDS
reverent, reverential, civil, self-effacing, humble, deferential, polite, appreciative, obedient, well-mannered, considerate, gracious, admiring, courtly, dutiful, obeisant, regardful, regarding, solicitous, submissive
Nearby words
- respectability politics,
- respectable,
- respectant,
- respected,
- respecter,
- respectfully,
- respecting,
- respective,
- respectively,
- respects
Origin of respectful
SYNONYMS FOR respectful
ANTONYMS FOR respectful
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for respectful
respectful
/ (rɪˈspɛktfʊl) /
adjective
full of, showing, or giving respect
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
respectful
1580s, "characterized by respect" (implied in respectfully), from respect (n.) + -ful. Meaning "full of outward civility" attested from 1680s. Related: Respectfulness.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper